Ken Wilson-Max
Born in Zimbabwe, Ken Wilson-Max lives in London. He has written and illustrated over 50 books for children. He also illustrates things for grow-ups and businesses and publishes work from other creators through Alanna Max.
As a younger man, Ken made stories from what he saw in his travels. He was excited and so the work was exciting. As he became more experienced and familiar with his surroundings, he saw that everyone had a story to tell. He became determined to inspire others to tell theirs. He found this made his stories much better. It also allowed him to experiment and learn. Since 2014, he’s also been publishing the Chicken Newspaper for children all over the world.
Books
Astro Girl
Author: Ken Wilson-Max
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
Interest age: 4-6
Reading age: 5+
Astrid loves the stars and space, and wants to be an astronaut. A delightful and educational book for young readers interested in space travel, with colourful illustrations, large-print text, fun facts, diverse characters and heartfelt father-daughter interactions.
Baby Ruby Bawled
Author: Malaika Rose Stanley Illustrator: Ken Wilson-Max
Publisher: Tamarind
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 7+
Theo loves his baby sister Ruby who is happy as long as she is awake and being entertained. But Ruby simply will not sleep: not at nap time, not at bedtime, not at any time...
Dream to Change the World: The Story of John La Rose
Author: Ken Wilson-Max
Publisher: George Padmore Institute
Interest age: 5-8
Reading age: 5+
This charming and beautiful book for young readers tells the story of John La Rose, the pioneering black activist who set up Britain’s first black publisher and bookshop, New Beacon Books, and was also one of the founders of the George Padmore Institute.
Lenny and Wilbur
Author: Ken Wilson-Max
Publisher: Alanna Max
Interest age: 3-5
Lenny and Wilbur, are the best of friends. This illustration-led picture book about the special bond between one boy and his dog is bright, bold and culturally diverse. Join them for a fun-packed day of activities that will be familiar to many preschoolers.
The Drum
Author: Ken Wilson-Max
Illustrator: Catell Ronca
Publisher: Tiny Owl
Interest age: 0-3
This little but lively book is part of Tiny Owl’s "Children. Music. Life" series, which focuses on musical instruments from around the world, created by award-winning picture book author and artist Ken Wilson-Max. In this book, we meet the drum.