Is it just us or were weekends simply made for lie-ins, reading, chocolate hob-nobs and… Book Box Club supplier reveals!
We are thrilled to announce that our July I ♥ UK YA box will feature an exclusive and very useful item created by MEGAN TUCKER ILLUSTRATION!
When we plucked for a UK YA theme for our July box, we thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be amazing if this box not only supported UK YA authors, but also gave our members an opportunity to discover UK-based artists, designers and small businesses?’
As a small business ourselves, we love to appreciate and support fellow independent businesses and we always make it our mission to showcase the wonderfully creative people that we work with. This month, we’ve teamed up with artists, crafters and talented types from all around the UK and we are thrilled to introduce you to the first of our team of brilliant British suppliers.
When we spotted Welsh artist Megan’s fresh, colourful illustration style, we got straight on the phone and asked if she’d be involved in our July box. Happily, Megan agreed and has designed the most STUNNING item especially for our July members. This bookish item will be exclusive to Book Box Club members and will celebrate a plethora of our favourite YA books by UK based authors.
At Book Box Club we like to get to know the talented people who help to make our boxes so unique and so we were thrilled to get to know Megan a little bit better in our Crafty Q&A…
We know you love books – so tell us about your favourites!
My favourite book has to be “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” by Mark Haddon. Ive read it multiple times and it never gets old! I also love “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott – its such a beautiful story.
Which of your creations are you proudest of and why?
My county maps are the thing I’m most proud of. They are so well received by my customers and evoke such a strong sense of place for people. Im almost done with creating maps for all the counties of Wales and will move onto English counties after that.
What does your arty area look like?
I have a home studio, which I run my illustration business from. Its a large room but is crammed with storage for all of my art supplies and stock! I also have two desks as I have a studio assistant called Chloe who works for me part time.
What do you eat whilst you illustrate and what do you listen to?
I have a weakness for drinking tea and eating chocolate while I work! I also listen to a lot of podcasts on a wide variety of topics. Anything from creative business, to mindfulness, to comedy. I dont really listen to music simply because I find a podcast focuses my mind a bit better on what im doing!
Have you ever had a creative disaster?
I once tried to make my sister a fancy birthday cake in the shape of a large gift box with a bow. The fondant wouldn’t behave the way I wanted it to and by the end the cake looked pretty terrible. My sister affectionately nicknamed it “The Blob”.
What inspires you to illustrate and how did you begin?
I’ve always loved drawing since I was a little kid and thankfully had parents who encouraged me to pursue a creative career. I studied art and illustration throughout school, college and uni and did just that! I love creating artwork that gives people a strong sense of “home”. That theme always really inspires me.
Apart from making beautiful things and reading what do you like doing?
Outside of being an illustrator I enjoy crochet, sewing and doing yoga.
To discover some of Megan’s artwork head over to her website and give her a follow over on Instagram for lots of beautiful photos of her illustrations.
If you’re yet to join us, here’s why you won’t miss out on our July I ♥ UK YA box:
There will be TWO BOOKS! The UK YA book scene is full of imagination, originality and diversity, just waiting to be discovered by more unashamedly bookish people, so we’re treating all our members to two absolutely awesome, very different featured reads.
Book 1 is a whirlwind of sun-soaked parties, flirtatious games and glitzy bohemian capers set against the backdrop of rural Italy. This brand-new YA paperback is a prequel to a much-loved tale by Britain’s greatest bard and is guaranteed to whisk you away to summery reading heaven! Book 1 will be accompanied by a special edition book-plate, signed by the author.
Book 2 is a contemporary psychological thriller with a twisty dual narrative, a brilliantly imagined new social app, an explosive hostage situation and celebrity scandal. This brand-new YA paperback will have you perched on the edge of your seat/sun-lounger! Book 2 will be signed by the author.
Our July featured reads will be gift-wrapped and accompanied by a personalised invite to our members-only online book group, where you will able to chat to both authors and ask them your questions.
All members will also receive a digital UK YA Summer Reading Zine! Including exclusive content, sneak peeks, Author Q&As and more! If you love getting ahead of the curve and discovering the best new YA books before anyone else, our Zine is the ultimate fast pass and is guaranteed to leave you with the most ginormous TBR pile ever!
There will be Goodies! As always, Book Box Club members will also be treated to a plethora of goodies. As well as an exclusive item illustrated by Megan Tucker, this month’s haul will be inspired by the finest British YA writers and the joys of being unashamedly bookish.
There will be a book group with TWO authors! As always, all our unashamedly bookish subscribers will be invited to join us in our members-only online Clubhouse where we’ll be joined by TWO special guests. Both authors of our featured reads will be in The Clubhouse to chat to you about their brilliant books and answer all your questions!
Remember if goodies aren’t your thing, opt for our Purely Books parcels and receive the same great reads (Purely Books members will also receive TWO books in July) and membership to our author book groups in our online Clubhouse. This July, Purely Books members will also receive our digital zine.
Make sure you don’t miss this box by clicking HERE. We can’t wait for an especially unashamedly bookish July!
Have amazing weekends, everyone!
Love, Libby and Kate xx