Friends Forever : A Read-and-explore Book to Find Your Perfect Pal!

Build-A-Bear's journey began with a simple yet magical concept: to create a destination where kids could bring their furry friends to life. In 1997, the first Build-A-Bear Workshop opened its doors in the St. Louis Galleria Mall for a one-of-a-kind experience. Since then, Maxine's fairy tale idea has flourished into a global phenomenon, with nearly 500 locations worldwide, an innovative online experience, and even our own Build-A-Bear Radio and Entertainment division, collaborating with some of Hollywood's most creative studios and stars.

Odd Dot is a boutique imprint that publishes author-driven brands, select licensing partnerships, fiction, nonfiction, and innovative formats for ages 0-12. From toy-like board books and trend-setting sticker collections, to inspirational picture books and more, we are always steered by kids' interests and the transformative power of reading. Odd Dot's core mission is to craft books that inspire joy, foster connections, and ignite curiosity―all the while having a ton of fun together. Harnessing the magic of collaboration, Odd Dot specializes in delivering exceptional originality in whatever form our ideas and partnerships take.

Anna graduated from Liverpool Art School with a degree in Graphic Arts.


After graduating, Anna went on to work as an in-house illustrator/designer for a greeting card company before becoming a freelance illustrator in 2008.


Originally from Anglesey in North Wales, Anna now lives in sunny Brighton with her husband and young daughter. She works from her home studio - which means she’s able to consume plenty of strong coffee and chocolate biscuits without fear of being judged!