Marc Craste and Helen Ward

 'Varmints' is Craste's first picture book, which has many of the design qualities that made his black and white film 'Jo Jo in the Stars' so remarkable, but with a subtle colour palette. Ward said that she wrote the book specifically for Marc's artwork. In several ways, the images and theme echo the book she recently wrote and illustrated, 'Wonderful Life.' During drinks, Ward commented she had started the process of creating 'Varmints' more than four years ago, and was very glad to see it come to fruition. Templar Art Director Mike Jolley commented that Helen manages to imply a great deal in 279 words, leaving lots of space for the imagination, as do Craste's restrained drawings. Jolley said that the book "is about taking time to stop, to look and to listen, and to cherish the natural world. It's also about giving up something precious to you when it's for the greater good, and it's about hope and intent."

Guests present included many of the team from Templar and Bounce! Sales & Marketing, Ruth Prickett from Illustration magazine, Roy Butlin from Dulwich Books, Zoë Greaves from Daunt Books, Arena agent Alison Eldred, Camilla de la Bedoyere from the Sunday Express Kids' Page and the event was organised by publicist Philippa Perry.

Report by Sarah McIntyre