New Children's Laureate is announced

Anthony Browne has been named as Children's Laureate 2009-2011. He's famous for his fab gorilla picture books. Have you read any?

The Children's Laureate is a special award given to a great writer or illustrator of children's books every two years.

Here is Anthony Browne (on the right) getting his medal from Michael Rosen - who used to be Children's Laureate.


Picture courtesy Asimina Giagoudaki © Booktrust

The award also helps everyone to see that children's books are important.

Here's Anthony Browne reading some of the many fan letters he gets from kids.

© Laurence Cendrowicz

Anthony Browne said that he would use his time as laureate to promote picture books, and the reading of both pictures and words:

"Picture books are for everybody at any age, not books to be left behind as we grow older."

© Laurence Cendrowicz

See a video about Anthony Browne and his books on the Children's Laureate site.



Screenshot courtesy Children's Laureate website

The Guardian online has some of Anthony Browne's illustrations for you to look at.

And next time you go to your school or local library, have a look at the Anthony Browne books there. Get in touch and tell us your favourite!