The Fire Children

Gorgeous gouache paintings from an award-winning artist who has published over 30 books for children.

The first man and woman are lonely. What to do? They decide to fashion children out of clay. As they are baking the little figures in their fire, they're constantly interrupted by visits from the sky-god, Nyame. As a result, some of the children are pale and underdone, some are left in so long that they come out very dark, and the rest are every shade between. Fran Lessac's gorgeous gouache paintings, inspired by West African masks and pottery, and Eric Maddern's vivid text make this one of the most compelling of creation myths for young readers.

About the Author

Eric Maddern studied sociology and psychology at Sheffield University, then spent 10 years travelling around the world. He now performs all over the country as a storyteller and folk singer, and he has built a roundhouse in the grounds of his home, where he holds storytelling events. He lives in Gwnyedd, Wales. Eric's books for Frances Lincoln are Death in a Nut, Nail Soup, Cow on the Roof, Earth Story and Life Story, Fire Children, The King with Horse's Ears, Spirit of the Forest, Rainbow Bird, The King and the Seed and Curious Clownfish.

About the Illustrator

Fran Lessac is an internationally known American artist who has exhibited her paintings in London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles. From film school in California she went on to study Caribbean culture on the island of Monserrat. She has illustrated over 30 books for children. In 2010 she was awarded The Muriel Barwell Award for Distinguished Service to Children's Literature. Fran lives in Fremantle, Australia.