Pat-A-Cake! - First Book of Nursery Rhymes

Ailie is an illustrator living with her family in the North East of England.

She loves dogs, lions, cycling, trees, violet creams, orange pencils, knitted toys and listening to ‘The Archers’.

Quite a number of years ago, Ailie studied Graphic Design, and then specialised in Illustration at Cambridge School of Art. Ailie uses a mixed media approach to her work – including a combination of acrylic paint, and pencils mixed with collage and photoshop.

Many things influence her work: nature and animals are a constant inspiration, plus 1950’s and 60’s children’s books, pattern and colour. Ailie is best known for her colourful pre-school and novelty formats.

Child's Play is more than just a publishing programme, it is a philosophy. We understand that a child's early years are more important than any other and this is when they learn the most about the world around them. Books play a vital role in building the foundations for learning, and exposure to quality books from an early age helps to develop an enquiring mind and a lifelong love of reading.

Child's Play has a history of creating innovative, award-winning books for children from 0-8 years that promote learning through play – books that fully reflect our diverse society in terms of heritage, disability, gender and family.

Child's Play books are loved by parents, teachers and, most importantly, children all over the world.