The World of Nicholas Allan on DVD

In this intimate and inspiring DVD, school children April and Ruarie visit BAFTA award-winning author/illustrator Nicholas Allan in London where he lives and works. They spend a fun day out in the city where they take a very fast spin on the London Eye (courtesy of Nicholas' magic wand), visit the restaurant in Covent Garden where he once worked as a waiter and try to call in for a cup of tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Back at his studio, where the illustrations for his current creation "Picasso's Trousers" lie strewn across the floor drying, he answers lots of questions about his work, inspirations and life including a very famous composer relative. The children hold (and nearly drop) his BAFTA, an award for the TV adaptation of his Hilltop Hospital books, broadcast in over 40 countries. They sit on the same sofa where Jacqueline Wilson - a close friend - sits, when she visits, meet an interesting individual on the Embankment who immediately inspires Nicholas to create a new character, the result of which can be seen at the end of the film along with footage of Nicholas taking a dip off Brighton beach, which allows a bit of fun with a spoof "Jaws" sequence. (Don't blink until you've seen him safely back on shore!) Finally, April passes on an invitation from her Head Teacher for Nicholas to visit her school, which he gladly accepts and attends the following week, dazzling his young audience with a magical performance of 'The Queen's Knickers Show'! Oh yes - just one more thing...a parting word from Nicholas' mum. And his grumpy, tattered Teddy. There can't be too many people who can produce books for children about royal knickers, odd-shaped bottoms, racing sperms, vengeful teddies, an overworked Jesus, an overweight tooth fairy, a pet dog packing its bags for Heaven and two rabbit parents who just cannot fathom how their family keeps on growing and growing...and get away with it. But when you have Nicholas' charm, wit, economy of words and simple but very funny illustrations, risque subjects can be told in a most acceptable and educational way and sure to put a smile on faces young and old. Born and educated in Brighton, Nicholas wrote his first novel at the age of 14 long before he started creating picture books. His million seller "The Queen's Knickers" won the Sheffield Children's Book Award in 1994 and "Jesus' Christmas Party" has been adapted into a successful musical nativity for schools. This film is a fascinating insight into the world of Nicholas Allan and a must-see for his millions of fans around the world.