Quentin Blake: Last News

One of the UK’s best-known illustrators is inspiring visitors to explore Caerlaverock Wetland Centre near Dumfries.

When a world famous cookie store opens its first shop in the north of England, there are likely to be queues. When that shop is inside the shopping mecca that is The Trafford Centre, well, you can guess the result.

Ben Croll Urban Sales and KMBO have boarded the 2D family film “The Hermit and the Bear,” with the Paris-based exporter handling international sales for the animated title as Gallic distributor KMBO covers the domestic release. This joint distributor/sales agent deal marks a dual show of faith for a development title that recently pitched to substantial buyer interest at the Cartoon Movie pitch and co-production forum in Bordeaux — where KMBO was voted distributor of the year. Adapted from a 1990s tome, the film follows the long apprenticeship between a lonely bear and an irascible hermit. Beginning as an awkward pupil and a rusty teacher, the pair’s bond soon develops into an unusual and life-affirming fellowship. The duo then set off into the forest, singing the benefits of friendship to all the woodland critters.

Naman Ramachandran “Billions” actor Damian Lewis, actor-director Rapman (“Blue Story”), writer Salman Rushdie (“Midnight’s Children”) and All3Media CEO Jane Turton are among those in the arts and entertainment field recognized in the annual Queen’s birthday honors.Lewis has been recognized as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to drama and charity. Also accorded a CBE is filmmaker Isaac Julien, Berlin winner for “Derek.”Rushdie has been accorded the Member of the Order of the Companions of Honor accolade for services to literature alongside illustrator and writer Quentin Blake (“Jackanory”), for services to illustration.Director Andrew Onwubolu, also known as Rapman, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to drama and music.

Christmas telly.