A Bradford artist has become a hit with youngsters in America after seeing two of his books sell out days after their release in New York.

Birkenshaw-based Stephen Waterhouse illustrated 'The Stars Come Out On Christmas' - a children's nativity gift book - and was amazed to see all 9,500 copies of the book snapped up.

More copies are now being printed for sale later this year.

Stephen, 26, said the experience of seeing the book sell out was "the best thing that had ever happened to me.

"Being able to go to New York was just great," he said.

The illustrator received more good news from America after 'Get Busy This Christmas' - Stephen's own book about a family of penguins - had also sold out.

He has also been chosen to feature in the 'Best of British Illustration' exhibition in London, which starts later this month.

But rather than be fazed by the success, Stephen is keeping his feet on the ground and his roots in West Yorkshire as he visits local schools to inspire budding artists.

"I've been to about ten schools in the past 18 months and I want to make it more regular now," Stephen said.

"It helps to promote creativity within the kids, teaching them to draw from imagination ... and they also give me great feedback about my books!"

Stephen is hoping to get involved in the Big Arts Week in July as well - a national initiative to encourage professional artists to visit their local school to share their talents with the children.

"It's amazing to see some of them look quite inspired, and they inspire me as well, the way they're full of energy."

'Get Busy This Summer', Stephen's latest work, will be released next year, and work on another instalment has already begun.

Any schools interested in inviting Stephen to talk can e-mail him on stephen@stephenwaterhouse.com