Raymond Briggs
Raymond Briggs is one of our most respected and beloved artists. Born in Wimbledon in 1934, he studied at the Slade School of Fine Art and went on to produce a treasure trove of work. He has created characters that are now icons for generations of children, including Fungus the Bogeyman, Father Christmas and, of course, the beloved Snowman. His original Mother Goose was published in 1966 and won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal. His work has won numerous awards and been adapted for film on several occasions, including, most recently, Ethel and Ernest.
Raymond Briggs was given the BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
Authored Books
Father Christmas
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
For poor Father Christmas, December 24th is the hardest night of work in the year. Raymond Briggs follows him on his wonderfully grumpy and funny journey, revealing some beautifully illustrated moments of joy.
Jim and the Beanstalk
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Penguin
This is a fun, engaging re-telling of the original folklore story of Jack and the Beanstalk, which also doubles as a clever sequel - an excellent picture book for early readers.
Ug
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Random House
Ug and his parents live in the Stone Age. This means stone blankets, stone-cold food, an even colder cave and, worst of all, hard stone trousers!
The Snowman
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Puffin
James builds a snowman in the garden, then wakes up in the night to find that it has come to life.
Fungus the Bogeyman
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Penguin
This sophisticated cartoon-strip picture book for older children follows one day in the life of Fungus, a morose bogeyman who scares humans - but starts wondering what it's really all for? This is Briggs at his subversive and entertaining finest.
Gentleman Jim
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Vintage
The life of toilet attendant Jim Bloggs is pretty dreary and his great wish is to escape. Will he manage to do so? Briggs' story is funny and uplifting, with beautiful, delicate illustrations - a charming story for dreamers.
The Bear
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Penguin
Young Tilly is delighted when a polar bear clambers through her bedroom window one night - but are mischievous polar bears really ideal domestic pets? The Bear is a warm story about kindness, caring, and letting go.
The Man
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Random House
The Man is a dialogue between a boy, John, and a tiny naked man who appears in the middle of the night, demanding clothes. The book perfectly captures an enchanting friendship with its message of kindness and intolerance of prejudice.
Ethel & Ernest
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Vintage publishing
Ethel & Ernest tells the story of Raymond Briggs' parents, from 1928 to their deaths in the 70s - spanning a period of great social change for the country. Although your eyes will mist up by the end, you'll also wear a big, tender smile.
When the Wind Blows
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Penguin
Jim and Hilda are your typical couple, living in rural England. When warned of a nuclear strike, they resurrect a 'wartime spirit' - surely everything will be all right in the end? This graphic novel is powerful, heartbreaking and educational.