When Clare Grove, author of the My Mummy Loves… children’s book series, reached out to us about sending a book to Princess Charlotte, we immediately fell in love with her and her books. The British-bred author and illustrator was inspired by her love of shoes to write a book for her daughter, and the series was born. During the celebrations of Princess Charlotte’s birth, Clare knew that Kate would love to share the story with her daughter, too!
When Clare told us that one of the book’s illustrations was inspired by Kate (and feature a repliKate!), we knew our readers would love the books for their little princesses (and princes!). Read on to learn more about Clare, Kate, and the books:
WWKD: Tell us about the My Mummy Loves series!
CG: I had always dreamed of writing and illustrating a series of children’s books and when Sienna, my first daughter was 7 years old I turned the dream into a reality and self-published my first book, My Mummy Loves Shoes. It really was a now or never moment. My girls have always loved dressing up and trying on my shoes and I wanted to create a fashion inspired book with watercolour illustrations that mothers could read with their little ones. I didn’t want to make it too long (there’s nothing worse at bedtime!) so kept the story line simple and added a Where’s Wally? style hunt with the little red shoe throughout the pages in the shoe book, and items from mummy’s handbag in the pages of the bag book. This feature of the books has been a huge success and I’m often receiving message from gorgeous mothers saying that their children look through the books time and time again and won’t leave the house without them!
WWKD: What made you decide to send a copy of your book to the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte?
CG: I had heard that the Duchess doesn’t accept gifts and it’s incredibly hard to get the palace to even look at anything that’s been sent but I thought, I have nothing to lose so I’m just going to give it a go. I haven’t heard anything back yet, but if the books don’t get passed onto Catherine, I’m hoping they will be given to charity.
WWKD: How would you describe your personal style?
CG: It’s very hard trying to describe my own style, but I’d like to think I dress classically with a little bit of a twist.
WWKD: Have you been inspired by Kate’s style?
CG: I love the way Kate dresses, and think she always looks incredibly chic and stylish. I’m a huge fan of the Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress so it’s lovely seeing the Duchess carry that off so beautifully. She is also a great supporter of British fashion designers which I admire. I’d love to see her in a pair of Charlotte Olympia shoes though, wouldn’t that be amazing!
WWKD: Has that inspiration made its way into your books?
CG: Yes! The DVF wrap dress that Kate wears features in the London pages of My Mummy Loves Bags. The iconic Selfridges building is illustrated behind the mother and daughter as they hail a black cab.
WWKD: In your opinion, what is it that makes Kate such a fashion icon?
CG: I think she’s a true English beauty and comes across as someone likeable and down to earth, and I love the way she has a sense of humor.
WWKD: Are there any fashion brands for Prince George and Princess Charlotte that you would recommend to Kate?
CG: There are so many talented Kiwi and Australian children’s clothing companies that have been started by mothers. I follow these incredible women on Instagram and they inspire me every day. I’d love George and Charlotte to be seen in some of these clothes. They don’t have that typical traditional British look of knee high socks or a romper suit but I don’t think it would hurt to let the Prince and Princess wear something a little different once in a while.
To celebrate WWKD’s birthday, Clare has created two custom prints – specially for our readers! Here’s the details:
One lucky winner will received a one-of-a-kind original “Hats, Bags and Shoes” print, hand painted by Clare Grove
A second lucky winner will receive a one-of-a-kind original “Kate, Charlotte and Lupo” print, hand painted by Clare Grove
A third lucky winner will receive a one-of-a-kind original English Rose set of stationery (12 notecards and envelopes), hand painted by Clare Grove
The contest is open internationally. The three winners will be selected on September 27 and will be contacted via e-mail. Best of luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
All images are copyright of Clare Grove and My Mummy Loves
What beautiful books! I would have to say my favorite would be Mummy Loves Shoes……
Such intricate, delicate designs! I love watercolor and the way the images look on paper. Very fun and fresh! Especially love the painting of Kate, Lupo and Princess Charlotte in the baby carriage 🙂
What a wonderful giveaway! I think reading to your child is one of the best things you can do with them. Even better to read with your child with such beautifully illustrated books.
I would purchase My Mummy Loves Bags, because when I was born my father used to say to my mother that when I grow up I would take all her handbags
This is so unique! I love how the books aren’t harsh with bold colors but are soft and gentle; very inviting and fun to read! Good luck with everything Clare!
Stunning use of water colours. I’m very partial to bags, so definitely that book!
I would buy My Mummy Loves Shoes as a gift for for my friend’s daughter, because her momma definitely loves her shoes!
I would have to chose My Mummy Loves Bags because that is definitely my weakness! My daughter has just started to play dress up with mummy’s shoes and bags and I love it!
Clare Grove is extremely talented….such beautiful illustrations on these notecards. My Mummy Loves Shoes has to be a favourite, as she just depicts them so well and reflects every girls dream of building up a collection just like the ones featured in the book.
What beautiful prints! Gorgeous! The books are super cute too! perfect for little girls!
What a cute prize to win. I absolutely love the English Rose stationary set! It is nothing short of beautiful!
Clare is a very talented artist!
Hmmm. I like that the DVF wrap dress that Kate wore is featured in My Mummy Loves Bags, but I would probably buy the My Mummy Loves Shoes because…shoes!
Lovely books and what a wonderful display of talent! I have a daughter who is a fashionista, and this is a perfect!
These watercolours are gorgeous! I’m in love with Clare’s painting style!
What lovely artwork. She is very talented indeed. I covet her stationary products.
What a wonderful post! And such a lovely prize! Thanks for the chance!
My Mummy Loves Bags would be my choice. I studied abroad in London and love the scenery. The watercolours capture rainy London perfectly. 🙂
This is so beautiful! Even if I don’t win, I want to buy that painting. Forget saving it for my daughter, I want it for me! Thanks again WWKD!:)
Adorable! I don’t have children, but I think I still want this book!
What beautiful illustrations! I would buy any of them……….looking to see how to buy now!
Oops! Forgot to say why…..
Mostly because I started collecting bags when I was young so a big lover of all forms of bags. Shoe loving didn’t start until I was in my teens….
Thus, bags of all styles, are a long-life-time memory. 🙂
A book about them, seems suitable!
Such a difficult choice~ both books are so lovely!
But I would have to go with this one: http://www.my-mummy-loves.com/shop/mummy-loves-bags/
The illustrations are just beautiful!
Oooh, SO not easy as Claire’s work is fabulous but if I had to choose just one, it would be My Mummy Loves….Shoes! A girl can never have too many shoes!
Ohhhh I would love to win! These are beautiful prints!
So pretty! Love the bags 🙂
Love these, especially the note cards! And Lauren and I are always down for variety in the little ones’ wardrobes; maybe the Cambridges will take your advice about these talented Aussie and Kiwi designers.
I would totally get the bags one 😀
They’re all gorgeous! I live the bags though 🙂
I love the carefully chosen accessories for each illustration
I would get My Mummy loves Bags – I love both so it’s hard to decide. So cute!
All of the paintings are gorgeous! Clare Grove Has true talent.
I have to say, I love “My Mummy Loves Shoes” the most because of her beautiful illustrations, and her very simple but cute storyline through the book.
What beautiful illustrations!!
It’d have to be My Mummy Loves Bags, as I’m a bona fide handbag hoarder…ehm…collector myself and I’m itching to discover all the gorgeous illustrations!
I think Clare is a super talented artist! That is amazing. Her paintings are beautiful and I would love any in book form to inspire me children.
What a lovely prize!! As a mother of two beautiful, and very fashionable girls, these books would be a hit!