"John Burningham" opens with a foreword by John's U.S. contemporary, Maurice Sendak, the creator of "Where the Wild Things Are". This is followed by an appreciation of John's work by the critic Brian Alderson, before John himself goes on in his own words to explore his childhood, his schooling at Summerhill, his beginnings as an illustrator designing posters for London Transport, and then his hugely successful, award-winning and still-ongoing career as a picture book author and illustrator. We see developmental notes for his first picture book, "Borka", sketches, and lavish colour illustrations from his backlist of over 40 books. Providing new insights into his work, this is an ideal gift for Burningham fans, and for anyone interested in illustration.

About the Author

John Burningham is one of the most prestigious and best-loved illustrators working in the children's book field today. He trained at the Central School of Art and his first picture book, Borka was published in 1963. He has won numerous awards during his distinguished career including the Kate Greenaway Medal (twice) and the Kurt Maschler Award and his books are enjoyed by children all over the world.

Prizes

An outstanding gift book detailing the life and work of one of our most significant author-illustrators, packed with beautiful colour illustrations.

Reviews

The British author and illustrator has garnered an international reputation for combining imaginative, offbeat illustrations with highly funny, original stories for children. In this oversize, lavishly illustrated volume, Burningham relates his life story from his nonconformist schooling and his early meanderings around the world to his various artistic ventures, picture books being only one of his endeavors. (He was commissioned to design three full-size railroad cars for a Japanese company.) Large images from his picture books, sometimes filling an entire spread, as well as early sketches, photographs, and miscellaneous drawings are interspersed with Burningham's pithy comments about his theories of design. Fascinating backstory remarks reveal the inspiration for some of his stories. For example, he based Mr. Gumpy's Outing on his 1934 Austin Seven motorcar, defends his depiction of nonchalant parents in Come Away from the Water, Shirley, and elaborates on his work in illustrating Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows. Students of children's literature will be intrigued by Maurice Sendak's short preface and by the six-page opening commentary by children's literature scholar Brian Alderson. A fascinating and insightful treat for Burningham aficionados.-Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.