Paul Smith for Richard Scarry’s ‘Cars and Trucks and Things That Go’ signing

November 15, 2014

Book Launch, Book signing

The bright and jolly ‘Cars and Trucks and Things That Go’ by the late Richard Scarry, is everyones favourite children’s book, including the designer, Paul Smith. When Harper Collins invited Smith to create a new limited-edition hardback cover and interactive slipcase design (£25) for the 40th anniversary of the classic, he was on board!

Together with Paul Smith studio and the team at HarperCollins Children’s Books, we worked hard to create these two lovely editions. And I had the opportunity to manage the design part, working closely with editorial and production team, to prepare full design and production specifications for both editions, to bring Paul Smith’s vision to life.

Paul Smith also come up with a gorgeous deluxe box set (£200), limited to only 1000 copies, each signed by Paul himself. Featuring a red linen-covered box with printed illustrations, a hardback edition of the book, 5 colourful, stamped art prints in a portfolio and a hand-numbered and signed certificate of authenticity. The gift set also included three press-out-and-make vehicles and a pop-up scene. All items were designed exclusively for this edition.

The book signing event took place in Paul Smith’s store in Notting Hill, where a real Fire Engine was brought in for the children… and adult I guess, as I managed to get convinced to dress up in fire fighter gear and pose for fun pictures. A great day out for all the visitors and everyone who contributed in making this project happen!

“It was a pleasure to project manage the design process of these two gorgeous books, and then meet Paul Smith and the lovely Huck Scarry, to celebrate the launch! Well done to everyone at Paul Smith Studio and everyone at HarperCollins Children’s Books for bringing this classic story back to life in wonderful fashion.”