Anthony Browne

Biography

Anthony Browne was born in Sheffield and studied graphic design at Leeds College of Art, graduating in 1967. He worked as a medical illustrator and a greetings card artist, before beginning his career making children’s picture books. Known for his imaginative storytelling and distinctive, surreal illustrations, he has over fifty titles to his name, including the series My Dad, My Mum and My Brother, the Willy books, The Shape Game and his most recent book, Once Upon a Time in the Woods, a modern fairytale filled with curiosity, kindness and unexpected friendships. He has won many prizes in his illustrious career: Gorilla and Zoo both won the Kate Greenaway Medal and Gorilla won the Kurt Maschler Award, as did Voices in the Park and his interpretation of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Beloved by readers worldwide, in 2000 Anthony was the first British illustrator to be awarded the highest international honour for Illustration - the Hans Christian Andersen Award.

In 2001 he took a job as writer and illustrator at Tate Britain, working with children using art as a stimulus to inspire visual literacy and creative writing activities. During his time there he
conceived and produced The Shape Game. 

He was appointed the UK's sixth Children's Laureate for 2009 to 2011.

His books are translated into 26 languages and his illustrations have been exhibited worldwide, most recently in Korea.

He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2021 New Year Honours for services to literature.