Raymond Briggs: a lifetime in books
We were so sorry to hear that Raymond Briggs had died at the age of 88 on 9 August, 2022. He won our Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 – and with very good reason.
He won over legions of fans with his ability to be outrageously funny but also moving and reflective. He was unafraid to steer children and adults through some of life's big themes, but always in a way that's completely engaging. His stories and drawings live long in the mind.
Below are some of our favourites, covering a wide range of reading ages – from teeny tots to reluctant grown-ups. If you only know a couple of Raymond Briggs' works, you're in for a treat...
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The Snowman
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 3+James builds a snowman in the garden, then wakes up in the night to find that it has come to life.
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The Elephant and the Bad Baby
Author: Elfrida Vipont Illustrator: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 1-3
One day, an elephant offers a baby a ride through the town, and the set off on a great adventure.
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Ug
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Random House
Reading age: 5+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!
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Father Christmas Goes on Holiday
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Puffin Books
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+Raymond Briggs' classic comic book has all of his trademark humour and an endearingly grumpy Father Christmas
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Father Christmas
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 5+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.
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The Man
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 6-10
Reading age: 7+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.
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Gentleman Jim
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Vintage
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 10+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.
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Jim and the Beanstalk
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 4+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.
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The Bear
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 6+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.
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Ethel & Ernest
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Vintage publishing
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 12+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.
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When the Wind Blows
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 12+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.
