It was a sleepy Friday afternoon when Nick from children’s book charity Pelican Post visited our Ealing office.  He’d driven across London in weekend traffic, but that was nothing compared to the journey he had in mind: Nick was picking up 10 Tamarind books and starting their journey to a new school in the Sudan! The Pelican Post send donated children’s books to schools in various African countries. They take care to reflect the children in the books that they receive, and include Tamarind titles among the books they send. However, the package for the Sudan would be a special undertaking, off the beated track for the charity. The Grace School, 17 hours by road from Khartoum, is the only secondary school within a 300-mile radius. In poor condition and on the point of closure a few years ago, British couple Richard and Claire Budd fundraised an amazing £90,000 to rebuild the school from scratch. Opening in the first week of May, the school has classrooms and pupils and teachers, but not a single book. The staff at Tamarind were overjoyed to donate the first package of books to the new school. Nick will track its journey by air and road until it reaches the school. Congratulations to all for making this happen!

Click to find out more about the inspiring story of The Grace School and the work of Pelican Post.

Crisps, sweets, chocolate and cake: no childhood party felt complete without them! In today’s competition you can win a copy of new picture book Why Can’t I Play?, a tale of birthday parties, bossiness and bonding. For a chance to win, simply message us on Twitter or Facebook telling us your favourite party treats as you were growing up.

Day three of the Why Can’t I Play? competition has begun. To win a copy of this bright and funny book, join us on Twitter or Facebook and tell us your favourite ‘kids say the darndest things’ moment. If your childish quote is as memorable as Becca’s boasts in the book, it may win you a copy!

Today we’re giving away another copy of Why Can’t I Play?, a tale of boasting, birthdays and bonding in the sandpit. For chances to win, message us on Twitter or Facebook about your favourite outdoor childhood games. More chances to win each day this week!

Has the novelty of being at home worn off now that it’s the second week of the school holidays? Are things getting a little stroppy? Never fear! Every day this week we are giving away a copy of Why Can’t I Play?, a funny holiday story of bossy behaviour and bonding in the playground.

How to win the book? Get on to our Facebook or Twitter pages, and send us a message about your childhood social faux pas. The best story of the worst behaviour wins! Embarrassing episodes and public tantrums welcome!

Last month in this feature you met Odette Elliott, a picture book author. Once we have a powerful story, we turn to illustrators to bring them to life. Here’s a little bit from an illustrator extraordinaire, Carl Pearce.

Which books have you had published?
I’ve illustrated The Silence Seeker, Big Eyes, Scary Voice, Ferris Fleet and The Night The Lights Went Out for Tamarind as well as a tonne of educational and fun books elsewhere.

What inspired your artwork on The Silence Seeker?
The 1993 Michael Douglas movie ‘Falling Down’. The way that film looks is a big influence on a lot of my work. Also, a lot of the scenes in the story are actual places local to me in North Wales and Chester.

What you’d be if you weren’t an artist?
I don’t think I am an ‘artist’ but I would either be a fireman or a nature photographer somewhere interesting like South Africa or Northern Canada. I may still change jobs, you never know.

What are your hobbies?
Drawing, obviously. Watching movies, reading books and comics, being outdoors and on the beach and making stuff, like models, toys, pictures, a mess…

What are you reading at the moment?
211 Things A Bright Boy Can Do by Tom Cutler. It’s my bible.

What’s your favourite Tamarind book and why?
Can I be selfish and pick Big Eyes, Scary Voice, merely because I had so much fun ‘researching’ it in Cornwall in 2007. I took over 400 photographs of bits and pieces I wanted to add into the pictures on that book.

If you’d like to book Carl for a signing, drawing workshop or talk with questions and answers in your school or library, please contact Kelly Tapper in our publicity team on ktapper@randomhouse.co.uk or 020 8231 6648. Carl is based in North Wales.