The Adventures of Portly The Otter

New for March 2026, M.G.Leonard’s faithful,re-imagining of The Wind in the Willows is beautifully illustrated by Polly.

Told across four seasons in one year, Portly learns to swim, battles a large trout, gets tied to some fireworks by Toad, rescues a human girl, outwits the weasels and stoats of the Wild Wood, meets a young otter journeying to the sea, and sleeps between the cloven feet of the god Pan - a scene familiar to readers of the original book.

Available to order from Waterstones.

About Polly

Polly Dunbar is one of the best known author illustrators in the UK, known for creating many beloved children’s books.

She grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and Norwich, later studying at Norwich School of Art and Brighton University.

Her bestselling book Penguin has won several major awards and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Polly has collaborated with well-known authors including David Almond, Michael Morpurgo, Eoin McLaughlin, Raymond Antrobus and Michael Rosen, as well as her mother, Joyce Dunbar.

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Longnose Puppets

In 2006, Polly co-founded Long Nose Puppets, a Brighton-based children’s theatre company, with Katherine Morton. Together they have adapted several of Polly’s books for the stage.

In spring 2026 Flyaway Katie is back on tour!

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Polly Dunbar Wallpaper Collections

Created in collaboration with designer Erica Wakerly, Polly's wallpapers take her unique characterful drawings into the world of interior decor.

Available to order from ericawakerlywallpaper.com