We've written about this guy's work - and one of his books - again and again so it's only fitting to feature him in our #Booky100Keepers list as these really are something mighty special.

Our obsession with Levi Pinfold's amazing work began with a family trip to our local bookstore, Mostly Books. At the time it was being run by Mark and Nicki Thornton and we would drop in from time to time to see what was new or up and coming in children's books.

"Black Dog" by Levi Pinfold (Templar Publishing) was a recommendation from Mark, sitting on the shelves with one of those hand-scribbled bookseller "Buy this book you will NOT be disappointed" notes on it and the man knows his onions, he was right, "Black Dog" really was our kind of book.

In fact it came along at a time where I was beginning to wonder whether we'd see any proper 'dark' books in kidlit ever again. Though it is a dark book, and for C at the time something of a scary book (but not too scary to be read again and again at bedtime) the core message of being brave even when you're small and facing a seemingly monstrous opponent is delivered clad in the finest illustrative and storytelling clothes you can possibly imagine.

There's a reason Levi's books come along once in a blue moon, I mean just look at these painted illustrations, for goodness sake. Could he set the bar any higher?


Of course this book booted us into action, swiftly hoovering up "Black Dog's" predecessor and Levi's first children's book, "The Django"...

This one dips into the influences of Django Rheinhart and also has a rather cool romany setting for the story of a young boy who meets a trickster who loves playing mischievous gags on him.

The story feels fresh and original, and once again the visuals are to die for,  filled with atmosphere and humanity, almost to the point where the book makes you feel itchy at times, it really does feel like you become part of the story world as you immerse yourself in it.

The Django might be a pain, but the boy misses him once he's sent packing on his way, scolded and spurned. It's a bit of an obscure favourite this one but if you love any of Levi's other books, it's definitely worth sourcing a copy. It's glorious.

The only other author-illustrated Pinfold book (that we know of at least, unless he's currently working on another masterpiece) is "Greenling"

We just don't know how Levi manages to tick all the boxes for the perfect children's picture book so nicely. A story that you'd swear was a classic tale, it feels that familiar - yet also somehow feels totally original.

Artwork that almost makes you want to cry, it's that good.

...And a story that tugs at the heartstrings, a couple adopting the strangest little child, but loving it despite its strange powerful draw on the plants around them.

One more book worthy of note is Levi's collaboration with David Almond, the truly stunning award winning "The Dam" (this one published by Walker Books)...

There's something ethereal about this one, funereal, other-worldly. The perfect fusion of a true story given a biographical twist, and truly stunning (of course) artwork in each and every spread, telling the tale of a once prosperous village that was evacuated and eventually drowned to make way for a colossal reservoir and dam.

Drawing on the spoken stories and the photos of the place as it succumbed to the water, it's like a modern folk fable given the most glorious sheen to polish it up for a modern audience.

We really hope Levi Pinfold isn't quite done with children's books yet. Another one of those author-illustrators we'd come out of retirement to rave about.

Original Review Links: 

"Black Dog" written and illustrated by Levi Pinfold (Templar Books)

The Django written and illustrated by Levi Pinfold (Templar Books)

ReaditDaddy's First Book of the Week - Week Ending 4th September 2015 - "Greenling" by Levi Pinfold (Templar Publishing)

ReadItDaddy's Second Picture Book of the Week - Week Ending 9th November 2018: "The Dam" by David Almond and Levi Pinfold (Walker Studios)

We make no apologies for the fact that we're going to have to 'double dip' on Book of the Week this week. It was nigh-on impossible to separate our two top books so they're both getting the lovely sparkly gold border and heaps of praise.

Visiting Mostly Books in Abingdon is a very very dangerous thing (for my wallet) but always a pleasurable one. It's impossible to drop in and pick one or two books, their selection is so brilliant and their ordering service (even a casual mention that you really want a book on Twitter) sends them into a flurry of activity, ensuring that you get the best service possible. We spotted Black Dog nestling on the new releases shelf and the artwork instantly caught our eye. A quick scan through and Charlotte wanted it right then and there.

Unsurprisingly "Black Dog" tells the story of - a black dog! Black Dog takes on titanic proportions as each member of the family looks out of the window one morning and spots it hanging around. It takes the smallest (and bravest) member of the family to slip out and confront the beast.

Two things mark this book out as special. One is Levi Pinfold's artwork. It's absolutely top notch, the sort of work that is utterly perfect for children's books but you'd also love to see on your wall at home. Pin-sharp observational art that depicts the typical family house in chaos, with so many details and deft little touches that it's just mind-blowingly taught and beautiful at the same time. No exaggeration, if there was a prize for the most beautifully painted Children's Book every year (WHY isn't there one? Maybe we'll start one!) this would be a shoe in.

The central theme in Black Dog should, by rights, be a bit scary for children but I think because the hero of the tale is so tiny and brave, it instantly gives children a feeling of empowerment - and the way the book ends reinforces that deliciously.

A worthy book of the week. What could possibly be the other? You'll have to keep reading all week to find out because we're going to be really mean and not reveal the other one till Friday :)

Charlotte's best bit: The Big Black Dog "Snuffling" Little Small.

Daddy's favourite bit: Tight writing, delicious artwork, those nifty pyjama suits the family wear, and an absolutely beautifully painted old-style radio. Sublime!

A ReadItDaddy Book of the Week