Helen Oxenbury: a lifetime in books
Helen Oxenbury won our Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
She's been illustrating children's books for most of her adult life and has won countless awards. How many childhoods would be changed forever without memories of her drawings for We're Going On A Bear Hunt or her classic board books for babies?
There's a warmth and playfulness to Helen's illustrations that makes everything come alive and seem to leap from the page.
We couldn't squeeze everything she's worked on into this booklist (it would be a very long list!), but here are some of our favourites that we're sure you and your child will love...
You might also like: a list of books by John Burningham, who jointly won the award in 2018.
-
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.
-
Big Momma Makes the World
Author: Phyllis Root Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Interest age: 3-7
Reading age: 5-7This 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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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…
-
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.
-
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.
