The Quick Guide to Parenting by Laura Quick is a series of acutely observed illustrations which delve deep into family life and the inner turmoil experienced by some parents on a daily basis.
She captures the topsy-turviness, the incongruence and the self-flagellation. Guilt, humour and love are all there in abundance.
From what they said to the man at the bus stop, to where you found the remote control, when you’re a parent, laughing at what gets hurled in your direction is beyond important. Laura has been sketching scenes from daily domestic life on her blog, The Daily Think. All the bizarre moments and ridiculous conversations that are part of being a parent are here, from the day Laura’s daughter tried to poke her finger into a dog’s rear end, to the temper tantrums, and the sense of relief when the school holidays are over.
Trained as an illustrator, working in art direction, concept development and strategy, Laura Quick is a specialist in editorial Illustration and design as well as look books, ad campaigns, and Visual Merchandising. She has worked closely with fashion photographers, artists and designers for over a decade. Laura began drawing and observing people for her blog, The Daily Think six years ago. Listening and observing at fashion shoots, in meetings, on the bus and, later on, with kids in tow, in the playground.
Laura now produces almost all her commercial work off the back of this observational and humorous style. Working for the likes of The Guardian, AnOther Magazine, The BBC, The Royal Opera House, Thames and Hudson and many more, her work moves more towards her fascination in people and their habits, their self-expression and individual characters.
Very often this kind of book can be a two minute 'flick through', usually whilst waiting for the kids to finally choose something in the bookshop but I think this one is worth perusing thoroughly and will be great to pick up when you're having an off-day - just to remind yourself that you're not going mad and this is actually what parenting is like.
It would make a great Christmas gift for exhausted mums everywhere and, if you've enough of a sense of naughtiness, to give to pregnant friends as a slightly sardonic warning that parenthood is a country for which there is absolutely no map.
You can check out Laura's very funny blog too.
"The Quick Guide To Parenting" is published by Portico, an imprint of Pavilion Books RRP £9.99.
Recent Reviews
'Charming, quirky and funny' - THE GUARDIAN, September 2016'All parents will be able to relate to these hilariously accurate illustrations of raising children' - THE HUFFINGTON POST (UK)/PARENTS, September 2016
Beautifully drawn, honest and hilarious illustrated guide to the everyday life of a parent - MUMSNET, September 2016
'Laura Quick has perfectly captured the topsy turvy world of parenthood that all parents can relate to in one way or another in her new book' - NETMUMS, September 2016
Giveaway
I have one copy of "The Quick Guide To Parenting" to give away. Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget and the usual terms and conditions apply. (Please see my competitions page). UK entrants only and the giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Friday 4th November.
Good luck!
