Helen Oxenbury
Helen Oxenbury was born in Ipswich and attended the Ipswich School of Art before moving to London to study at the Central School of Art and Design. Her career has spanned many fields, including design work in theatre, film and television. She started illustrating children’s books in 1964 and has published books across age groups, from classic board books for babies to collections of nursery rhymes for all ages.
Oxenbury is a two-time winner and four-time runner up for the Kate Greenaway Medal. She first won in 1969, when the two books cited were The Quangle Wangle's Hat, an edition of Edward Lear's 19th-century poem, and The Dragon of an Ordinary Family, a new story by Margaret Mahy. She won again in 1999 for her illustrated edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. For the 50th anniversary of the Medal in 2007, Oxenbury’s Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was named by a panel as one of the top ten winning works of all time. Along with her husband John Burningham, Helen won the BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Books
Big Momma Makes the World
Author: Phyllis Root Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Interest age: 3-7
Reading age: 5-7
This beautiful reimagining of the Christian creation myth places Big Momma as Creator: a rounded, plain speaking woman with a baby, whose warm Big Momma voice speaks the universe into being. A truly amazing book to share.
Charley's First Night
Author: Amy Hest
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 7+
On his first night at home, Charley the puppy is given a guided tour by his new owner, Henry.
Farmer Duck
Author: Martin Waddell Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 4-6
Reading age: 6+
There once was a lazy farmer who spent his days in bed eating chocolate while his duck did all the hard work around the farm.
Friends
Author: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 0+
Reading age: 0+
Great for the youngest of babies as it invites adults to talk about the pictures and to interact with their baby as they look at the book together.
King Jack and the Dragon
Author: Peter Bently
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Puffin Books
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 5+
The wonderful rhyming text and charming illustrations create a beautifully paced and reassuring picture book
So Much
Author: Trish Cooke Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 2-5
Reading age: 5+
One by one, family members drop by on a mum and her tot – all wanting to squeeze, kiss and give undivided attention to the baby. An adorable picture book, which is high-spirited, vibrant and fun.
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
Author: Mem Fox Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Walker Books
With beautiful illustrations of babies born all over the world and gentle rhyming text, this charming book is perfect for sharing with little ones.
There's Going to be a Baby
Author: John Burningham Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 6+
A mother tells her little boy that ‘there’s going to be a baby’, but the little boy doesn’t like the sound of this – he doesn’t think they really need the new baby…
Tickle, Tickle
Author: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 0+
Reading age: 0+
Ideal for any time of the day, especially bathtime and bedtime, the language and repetition make this book good to read aloud.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 2-6
Reading age: 6+
Follow a father and his family as they go out in search of a bear.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt (book and CD)
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 2-6
Reading age: 6+
A great audio-visual pack which comprises a book and a CD. With fun actions and repetitive rhyming text, this awardwinning classic is particularly good for sharing with several children together, but guaranteed to be loved by any child.