Formby illustrator set for glittering career

Former Formby High pupil Holly Bushnell is launching two books in the next fortnight.

An illustrator from Formby is launching two books in the run up to Christmas.

Holly Bushnell, who now works at Write Blend books in Waterloo, illustrated “Doodles and the Flower Lake and “The Star That Lost Its Sparkle”. Both books will be launched at the Write Blend, on South Road.

“Doodles and the Flower Lake”, which tells the story of Doodles the fairy, is launched on December 12th from 12-4pm.

The title has been written by B.B.Taylor, who will be travelling from Birmingham for the launch. This will be B.B.Taylor’s second visit to Write Blend.

Just as she did the first time, she will be bringing with her the real life animal stars of some of her other books; Sox the raccoon, Mort the fox and Bubu the owl. These delightful animals were a huge hit last time they came and will make the launch event that extra bit special.

The following week, on December 19th from 2pm to 4pm Holly’s next book is launched. “The Star That Lost Its Sparkle” is written by local author and partner in Write Blend, Sally-Anne Tapia-Bowes.

The book tells the story of Bailey, a little blue star who has lost his sparkle. This beautifully written and illustrated book will be the perfect star on the tree this Christmas for anyone with young children.

Write Blend owner Bob Stone said: “We’ve known Holly for many years now and watched her talent grow. We are very excited that both these books owe their creation to Holly’s involvement at Write Blend and they are proof that our determination to make the shop a place where creators of all kinds can meet and collaborate is working. We would love as many people as possible to come to one our both of these events to support this very talented young artist at the start of what is bound to be a glittering career.”

Holly Bushnell studied art at Formby High School. Since leaving school, she has made a name for herself as a talented up and coming artist. She was well known for the spectacular mural on the wall of Formby Books.

She is now sought-after as a painter of murals on walls of schools and private homes, a designer of greetings cards, and now as an illustrator of books. Author Cathy Cassidy has described her as “a star in the making”.

Story and photo source: BY TOM DUFFY