SATA
ENTRY TYPE:
WORK TITLE: Just One More Story
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE:
CITY: Bristol
STATE:
COUNTRY: United Kingdom
NATIONALITY: British
LAST VOLUME: SATA 405
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in Pinxton, Derbyshire, England.
EDUCATION:Attended Mansfield College of Art; University of the West of England, degree.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Illustrator and author.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
The pencil-and wash illustrations of British artist Sean Julian can be found in a range of picture books, among them stories by Claire Freedman, Ruth Symes, Mark Shulman, Ian Smith, and Carol Roth. Growing up experimenting with various forms of creative expression, Julian eventually attended the University of the West of England, where he decided to focus on illustration. He started his career immediately after graduation and saw his first illustration project, Claire Freedman’s Where’s Your Smile, Crocodile?, reach bookstore shelves in 2001. For Julian, book illustration allows him to “work … on many fun and exciting projects, something that I hope will continue for many years to come,” as he noted on his home page.
In Where’s Your Smile, Crocodile?, Freedman tells the story of a grumpy young crocodile named Kyle who goes in search of his missing smile at his mother’s urging and queries every animal he meets on his way. “Julian’s … jungle brims with flamboyant hues,” noted a Publishers Weekly critic in appraising the artist’s debut picture book, making the story’s “lesson of finding joy … lightly proffered and colorfully imagined.” In School Library Journal, Patti Gonzales praised the artist’s “vibrant, splashy” portraits of “endearing jungle animals,” predicting that Where’s Your Smile, Crocodile? will make “a good choice for storyhours.”
Julian collaborates with Ruth Symes on a pair of picture books that focus on a young tyrannosaurus rex. In Little Rex, Big Brother (first published in the United Kingdom as Little Rex ), Little Rex dreams of being big enough to frighten other, but his scary faces do not frighten anyone in his family. Then a new batch of eggs hatches and Rex is able to startle his tiny brothers and sisters. The prospect of new siblings convinces the toddler T-rex to reconsider his goals, and soon he changes scary faces for friendly looks in a picture book that is geared for dinosaur fans. Julian’s “bright and cheerful cartoon artwork” adds to the story’s appeal for “storyhour sharing,” asserted Judith Constantinides in her review of Little Rex, Big Brother in School Library Journal, and in School Librarian, Angela Leeper wrote that the illustrations feature “lots of energetic movement and terrifically expressive dinosaur faces.” Little Rex returns in Little Rex and the Big Roar, a “very lively picture book” that Leeper cited as “a splendid author/illustrator collaboration.”
In 2017 Julian released the self-illustrated title Sloppy Wants a Hug. Sloppy is a tree dragon with a problem. Sloppy wants a hug, and Dewdrop the forest fairy will not relent. Sloppy is saddened when he finds out he is ineligible for a hug from Dewdrop, which feels discriminatory given that every other woodland creature is treated to Dewdrop’s sweet embrace. Sloppy tries everything to convince Dewdrop that he is worthy of love, but Dewdrop holds the line. Sloppy brings gifts of a big rock and even flowers, but none will weaken Dewdrop’s resolve. Saddened by the lack of affection, Sloppy takes respite under a tree and pouts. At this point a baby bird falls from the tree and lands near Sloppy. Feeling sorry for himself and the bird, Sloppy returns the bird to its nest. Dewdrop takes note of this act of kindness and gives in to hugging Sloppy only to be quickly reminded of why he should not get a hug in the first place. Sloppy follows the hug with a big, slobbery lick. A Kirkus Reviews contributor concluded that Sloppy Wants a Hug is “short, simple, sweet—and more than likely to spur some similarly slobbery affection between parent and child.” Amy Shepherd, writing in School Library Journal, concluded that the story of Sloppy’s quest for a hug is “an uncomplicated selection that will make everyone smile.”
Julian followed up Sloppy Wants a Hug with the 2018 work Sloppy Takes the Plunge. Sloppy is back after a fresh rain and is jumping through the forest puddles and making a complete mess of himself. A bit of wet weather mischief is all that Sloppy wants, but the consequences are all too apparent to Dewdrop, as Sloppy is absolutely filthy after his romp through the puddles. Dewdrop encourages Sloppy to get a bath, but he is reluctant at first. Eventually Sloppy gets in the bath and discovers that he loves bathing. After he is clean, Sloppy thanks Dewdrop with a big hug and hijinks. In a review in School Library Journal critic Shepherd noted, “The illustrations are very appealing, with the happily cartoonish characters infused with rich, warm colors that are full of depth and dimension.” A contributor to Kirkus Reviews called Sloppy Takes the Plunge “just the ticket for allaying incipient ablutophobia.”
In another self-illustrated book, Norman’s First Day at Dino Day Care, Julian introduces readers to Norman, a young dinosaur reluctant to start day care. On the first day of day care Norman is nervous, and his fears are not allayed upon arrival. The other dinosaur kids are strange and new. Teacher is scary, too. Norman, being an expert at hiding, takes refuge in a pencil cup. He then spends the rest of his time hiding and avoiding everyone. Later, Norman is teamed up for a talent show with a T-Rex who confesses that they, too, are nervous. The duo works together to get over their nervousness and then wows the other students when the T-Rex pulls Norman out of a hat during their talent show magic performance. “The story concludes with a nice takeaway, with the teacher telling Norman that shyness is part of him—and so is courage,” stated Connie Fletcher in Booklist. A contributor to Kirkus Reviews called Norman’s First Day at Dino Day Care “openly agenda driven, but easy on the eyes and low key in tone.” In an interview on the My Book Corner website, Julian explained, “I love what I do, illustrating has always been a challenge that I enjoy and an occupation that continually inspires. I can also go into an art shop and buy as many pencils, pens, paints, pastels and papers as I like, and it’s all OK because that’s my job.”
In a story that teaches about apologizing for doing wrong, I’m Sorry!, written by Barry Timms and illustrated by Julian, finds Scribble the squirrel and Swoops the owl moving in together as housemates. They both want to use the porch for their hobbies, but Scribble, who wants to use it to stage a play, argues with Swoops who wants to make it a workshop. After they disagree, Scribble is the first to say he is sorry, but it does not work unless he really means it. It is up to Swoops to smooth Scribble’s ego and help him build a stage. A Kirkus Reviews critic thought took note of “Julian’s sweet watercolor illustrations … with a cheerful palette.”
Tilly Temple wrote This Is Your World and Julian illustrated the story that highlights the wonders of nature as seen through the eyes of a father deer and his fawn. The father introduces the wide world to his child, as gentle rhyming stanzas relish the things nature has to offer, like the changing seasons, the flowers, trees, and water. In Kirkus Reviews, a contributor remarked that “the artwork is sweet.”
This Is Your World inspired the follow-up book God Bless Our World, written by Villetta Craven and illustrated by Julian that follows another father deer and his fawn around the forest, marveling at the natural world given by God for all to enjoy. The deer family encounters migrating monarch butterflies, and sees how a tiny acorn can grow into a mighty oak tree. The book explores conservation and showcases Christian values. A Children’s Bookwatch reviewer commented that the book “is a heartfelt and wonderfully charming celebration of nature.”
In his self-illustrated The Huddle, Julian stresses the importance of kindness and community. Alba the albatross broke a wing when a big wave hit her and she lands on some rocks unable to fly. The nearby penguins help her, bringing her fish to eat and protecting her while she heals. “The natural world is brought to life in wonderful, expressive illustrations,” declared Sue Bastone in School Librarian, who added that Alba is a good role model because she’s resilient and determined to carry on.
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Julian’s next self-illustrated picture book, Picture Day at Dino Play, continues the story of Norman and the other children at Dino Daycare. The emphasis this time is on Freda, who is excited to wear her hat for picture day, but then her hat goes missing during playtime. Norman and the other classmates help her find it, eventually locating it in an unexpected spot. A contributor in Kirkus Reviews called the book a “quiet yet satisfying tale” that focuses on “accepting and adapting.”
Julian partnered with author Perry Emerson on the picture book Just One More Story. Pip and Bun are siblings who approach reading very differently. Pip loves to read. Bun would rather just play with Pip. When the two find a book with different subject matter, however, Bun realizes the joy of reading.
“A reluctant reader learns a way to finally enjoy stories,” wrote a contributor in Kirkus Reviews. They appreciated Julian’s illustrations which add “an overall tranquility to the setting,” and they suggested the book as a good readaloud option. A writer in Children’s Bookwatch described the book as a “fun read from start to finish” and “thoroughly charming and original.”
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BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, June 1, 2021, Connie Fletcher, review of Norman’s First Day at Dino Day Care, p. 88.
Children’s Bookwatch, October, 2019, review of I Love You Brighter than the Stars; March 2023, review of God Bless Our World; December, 2024, review of Just One More Story.
Kirkus Reviews, August 15, 2001, review of Where’s Your Smile, Crocodile?, p. 1212; April 1, 2012, review of Where’s My Mommy?; April 15, 2012, review of My Dad!; December 15, 2016, review of Sloppy Wants a Hug; July 1, 2018, review of Sloppy Takes the Plunge; February 15, 2020, review of I’m Sorry!; June 1, 2021, review of Norman’s First Day at Dino Day Care; February 15, 2020, review of I’m Sorry!; April 1, 2021, review of This Is Your World; August 1, 2024, review of Picture Day at Dino Play; November 1, 2024, review of Just One More Story.
MBR Bookwatch, February, 2017, Nancy Lorraine, review of A Friend Like You.
Publishers Weekly, August 20, 2001, review of Where’s Your Smile, Crocodile?, p. 78; October 28, 2013, review of Five Little Ducklings Go to Bed, p. 59.
School Librarian, summer, 2010, Angela Leeper, review of Little Rex, p. 92; summer, 2011, Angela Leeper, review of Little Rex and the Big Roar, p. 96; spring, 2023, Sue Bastone, review of The Huddle, p. 36.
School Library Journal, November, 2010, Patti Gonzales, review of Where’s Your Smile, Crocodile?, p. 122; January, 2011, Judith Constantinides, review of Little Rex, Big Brother, p. 84; February, 2012, Anne Beier, review of Where’s My Mommy?, p. 96; February, 2014, Blair Christolon, review of Five Little Ducklings Go to Bed, p. 78; February, 2017, Amy Shepherd, review of Sloppy Wants a Hug, p. 70; August, 2018, Amy Shepherd, review of Sloppy Takes the Plunge, p. 60.
ONLINE
Frances McKay Illustration website, https://www.francesmckay.com/ (January 5, 2022), author profile.
My Book Corner, https://www.mybookcorner.co.uk/ (October 1, 2023), Emma Perry, “Author & Illustrator Interview: Sean Julian.”
Author & Illustrator Interview: Sean Julian
Sean JulianHuge welcome to picture book author & illustrator Sean Julian, ( The Great Big Sleep), who has popped in to My Book Corner to answer our questions …
Tell us about you in 25 words or less.
I’m a glass half full type person who would then drink what was in the glass and have a good burp.
What makes you happy?
A warm embrace from the ones I love. Tea and biscuits. The BBC iplayer. New socks.
Where have you always wanted to visit, but haven’t made it to … yet?
Not much of a traveller (not sure I like it) but I think one day I’ll get the bug to go travelling and then who knows where I’ll end up…Wiltshire sounds nice though! When I do go I’ll be dressed like Alan Wicker.
Where is your favourite place to illustrate and/or write?
For drawing and writing, especially when faced with tricky problems that need inspirational solutions, a coffee shop that is roughly 15 – 30mins walk away from my home is perfect. The rest of the time I work in my studio with the BBC iPlayer on.
What’s on your TBR pile at the moment?
Just started the latest Robert Galbraith novel. The first two books in the series kept me happy and reading. After that I will be trying to track down some of the Discworld novels I haven’t read yet – especially the ones with the Witches in! Granny Weatherwax is great. Also the next ‘Rivers of London’ book is to be published soon.
What’s the best thing about being a published illustrator?
I love what I do, illustrating has always been a challenge that I enjoy and an occupation that continually inspires. I can also go into an art shop and buy as many pencils, pens, paints, pastels and papers as I like, and it’s all OK because that’s my job.
What’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked (and what was your answer)?
Can’t think of anything for this one which is annoying because I must have been asked strange questions before – I’ve met a lot of strange people.
What’s your worst habit?
I eat a lot of apples, usually using a knife to slice bits off to eat. Once I’m finished eating the apple I stick the knife in the apple’s core and then shove it all in the remnants of my cuppa tea or leave it on the arm of the sofa. For some reason this really infuriates my girlfriend.
Your favourite word(s)?
Nan-night, Cob, Snap, Jitty, Mardy, these words remind me of home.
Can you give us a glimpse / peek / hint at your current WIP (I could bribe you with a cake/pics of cute dogs!)?
The Great Big Sleep was the first picture book I’ve written and illustrated. The book I’m currently working on with North South Books will be my second and it involves a Dragon, but I don’t think they would appreciate me sharing with the world just yet. In the meantime, here are some characters that are waiting to have their story written.
Sean Julian - Thundercluck
Thundercluck
Sean Julian - Monkey annoyed
Annoyed Monkey
Did we forget anything?
Nope, you were very thorough.
Just for fun
Tea or coffee?
Like both – but for dunking purposes it is always tea.
Paper books or e-books?
Paper Books smell better and don’t run out of battery life.
Cake or chocolate?
Probably cake if I had to choose – in no particular order…Lemon Drizzle, Lemon curd tarts, Bakewell Tart (but not the cherry). Chocolate cake with a cup of tea.
Write or type?
Write first and then type up to figure stuff out.
Poetry or prose?
Poetry. As a project The Great Big Sleep started out as an epic adventure poem about a squirrel called Sean who was lost in the woods. Below is an excerpt from the original poem:
As a heavy eyed Sean fell asleep, he began to loudly snore
Which woke the resident bear who let out an angry roar!
Grumpy bears aren’t known to waste time or mess about
The newly awoken grizzly picked him up and kicked him out.
I sit patiently awaiting my appointment as the next poet laureate. It’s only a matter of time.
Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin?
Let’s not kid ourselves – I’m a house elf.
Hot or cold?
Cold. I can always put a jumper on.
Thank you Sean!
I Love You Brighter than the Stars
Owen Hart, author
Sean Julian, illustrator
Tiger Tales
www.tigertalesbooks.com
9781664350854, $7.99, Board Book, 24pp
https://www.amazon.com/Love-You-Brighter-than-Stars/dp/1664350853
Synopsis: A bear and cub explore the woods in the early evening just as the stars are beginning to appear in the sky. As the two of them travel together through the trees, alongside a stream, and up the mountain, Bear reassures Cub that the love they share will continue to shine just as brightly as each star that lights up the night sky.
Critique: An original, charming, joyful celebration of the love between parent and child, this board book edition of "I Love You Brighter than the Stars" by author/storyteller Owen Hart and artist/illustrator Sean Julian is a lovely and recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, kindergarten, and community library Board Book collections for ages 2-5.
Editorial Note #1: Owen Hart takes a walk in the woods with his dog, Bradford, whenever he's in need of a new idea. He lives directly above a bookshop and is sure that all the wonderful stories below seep into his dreams at night.
Editorial Note #2: Sean Julian (https://www.francesmckay.com/portfolio/sean-julian) has been working as a freelance illustrator and writer for years, working on many fun and exciting projects, something that he hopes will continue for many years to come.
Please Note: Illustration(s) are not available due to copyright restrictions.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/index.htm
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"I Love You Brighter than the Stars." Children's Bookwatch, Aug. 2023. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A765740784/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=463c0607. Accessed 14 Sept. 2025.
Julian, Sean PICTURE DAY AT DINO PLAY NorthSouth (Children's None) $19.95 9, 10 ISBN: 9780735845527
A prehistoric play group provides an ideal social environment for reptilian tots.
Brightly pastel mini-dinosaurs arrive at bespectacled pterodactyl Miss Beak's place--introduced inNorman's First Day at Dino Daycare (2021)--on class photo day. Freda the triceratops is wearing her favorite hat atop her vermillion ruff. When they play outside (in a witty Mesozoic landscape accessorized with toys and cobblestone structures), Freda sits out: She doesn't want to dirty the precious hat. But eventually she can't resist the fun and begins jumping, digging, and riding scooters with her dino classmates. As she glides down the slide, her hat flies off, but she doesn't notice until Norman asks about it at lunchtime. Suddenly she's frantic, rushing around in search of the beloved straw hat. A teary Freda reveals that her grandmother gave her the hat. Miss Beak is understanding: "It can be upsetting when we lose things especially the things we love." The friends all agree to help look, and together they search everywhere. Then Norman notices a bird in a tree, sitting on a comfy nest--Freda's upturned hat. Seeing the delicate eggs inside, Freda generously gives the hat to the bird, and Miss Beak creatively alters the afternoon's art activity to hat-making: a clever success and a lovely conclusion to this quiet yet satisfying tale.
A sweet sherbet-tinted tale of accepting and adapting.(Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Julian, Sean: PICTURE DAY AT DINO PLAY." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Aug. 2024. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A802865061/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=d7186ff5. Accessed 14 Sept. 2025.
Julian, Sean JUST ONE MORE STORY Tiger Tales (Children's None) $18.99 1, 7 ISBN: 9781664300538
A reluctant reader learns a way to finally enjoy stories.
Bun, a tiny orange-hued rabbit, and Pip, a larger rabbit with a flower tucked between her ears, are in the meadow together. Pip wants to settle down in the grass to read, but Bun can't stand that idea. "Books are SO boring!" he says. "You have to sit still and be quiet forevvvvver." As Pip attempts to read, Bun can't stop impatiently interrupting. "Can we play now? Now?" When Pip closes the book in frustration, Bun curiously picks it up. He's surprised and delighted to learn that it's a story about a penguin spy on a motorcycle! Pip starts reading aloud, and Bun acts the events out. He scales perilous mountains (ahem, rocks) and performs daring rescues. Reading has never been so much fun! They have a few squabbles along the way (Bun and Pip model reflection and forgiveness), but Bun's eyes are opened to the power of a good story. Julian's lightly washed field of flowers adds an overall tranquility to the setting as the two flop-ears bound around in shared fun. Bun will give all those wiggle worms who can't sit still during storytime a kinetic way to enter the experience of reading.
A reminder for all--reading isn't always silent and still.(Picture book. 3-6)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Julian, Sean: JUST ONE MORE STORY." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Nov. 2024. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A813883710/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=e3fd77c5. Accessed 14 Sept. 2025.
Perry Emerson, author
Sean Julian, illustrator
Tiger Tales www.tigertalesbooks.com
9781664300538, $18.99, HC, 32pp
https://www.amazon.com/Just-More-Story-Perry-Emerson/dp/1664300538
Synopsis: Pip and Bun are two very different bunnies. Pip LOVES reading. Bun does not. "Books are SO boring!" Bun says. One day, Pip is happily reading her book while Bun impatiently waits to play with her. Then Bun stumbles upon a book filled with action and adventure. Could it be the perfect way for the little rabbit to learn to enjoy reading?
Critique: "Just One More Story" by the team of author/storyteller Perry Emerson and artist/illustrator Sean Julian is a thoroughly charming and original picture book story about books, imagination, and play. A fun read from start to finish, this hardcover edition of "Just One More Story" from Tiger Tales is especially relevant for parents, caregivers, and teachers for encouraging young and aspiring readers to enjoy each enjoy reading books as a recreational pastime. While also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99), "Just One More Story" is a very special and unreservedly recommended pick for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 3-7.
Editorial Note #1: Perry Emerson lives in London with his partner and their much-too-fluffy cat. He mostly edits picture books, but occasionally dabbles in writing them, too. When he's not thinking about words, he enjoys spending time in the kitchen cooking and, more importantly, eating. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/30549484.Perry_Emerson)
Editorial Note #2: A Derbyshire lad born and bred, Sean Julian studied at the Mansfield College of Art and then moved to Bristol to study illustration. He still lives in Bristol with his girlfriend. (https://www.francesmckay.com/illustrators/sean-julian)
Please Note: Illustration(s) are not available due to copyright restrictions.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/index.htm
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Just One More Story." Children's Bookwatch, Dec. 2024. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A822840379/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=52be2830. Accessed 14 Sept. 2025.