Helen Oxenbury

For the 50th anniversary of that Medal (1955–2005) her 1999 illustrated edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was named one of the top ten winning works.

Helen Oxenbury studied at Central School of Art and Design and Holliwood High School. The recorded working language is English. The field of work recorded is young adult literature. Places of work recorded in the authority are Greater London. Distinctions recorded are Nestlé Children's Book Prize and Kate Greenaway Medal.

• Name — Helen Oxenbury • Birth Name — Helen Gillian Oxenbury • Born — 2 June 1938 • Birthplace — Ipswich, Suffolk, England • Known for — Illustrations • Style — Watercolour • Website — https: helenoxenbury.co.uk

Oxenbury was born and raised in Ipswich, Suffolk. Her father was an architect. From an early age, she developed a passion for drawing. After leaving school, she attended the Ipswich School of Art as a teenager, and during holidays she worked at a small theatre in Felixstowe and at the Ipswich Repertory Theatre Workshop, mixing paints. She went on to study in London at the Central School of Art and Design (1957-1959), where she met her future husband, John Burningham. In her adult life, she embarked on a career in theatre, film and television. She worked as assistant designer at Colchester Repertory Theatre, and for three years as painter and designer for the Habima Theatre in Tel Aviv, Israel. In 1962 she returned to Britain and did some design work for ABC Television and Shepperton Film Studios. After marrying the children's book author and illustrator John Burningham in 1964, she turned to illustrating children’s books herself. In 1988, she created a series of books about a mischievous young boy called Tom, and his stuffed monkey, Pippo. She commented that Tom was very much like her own son in his younger years. Like Tom, her son would often blame his misdeeds on an accomplice (the family dog). She continues to illustrate books. In 1994, Tom and Pippo was adapted into a French animated series which ran for 104 two-minute episodes. Some of her most recent work includes the illustrations for The Growing Story in the September 2008 edition of Bayard Presse's StoryBox magazine.

These are all children's books. WorldCat reports that Oxenbury's works most widely held in participating libraries are three of her Greenaway Medal runners up, all written by other authors: We're Going on a Bear Hunt (1989), Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig (1993), and Farmer Duck (1991). • The Quangle Wangle's Hat (Heinemann, 1969), by Edward Lear (late 19th century) • —joint winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal • The Dragon of an Ordinary Family (Heinemann, 1969), by Margaret Mahy • —joint winner of the Greenaway Medal • Letters of Thanks (Collins, 1969), by Manghanita Kempadoo • Helen Oxenbury's ABC of Things (Heinemann, 1971) • Pig Tale (1973), written in rhyme and illustrated • Cakes and Custard (Heinemann, 1975, children's rhymes selected by Brian Alderson (children's book critic) • I can (1985), a board book for babies • I hear (1985), a board book for babies • I see (1985), a board book for babies • The Helen Oxenbury Nursery Story Book (1985), familiar folk tales • All Fall Down (1987), written and illustrated • Clap Hands (1987), written and illustrated • Say Goodnight (1987), written and illustrated • We're Going on a Bear Hunt (Walker, 1989), retold by Michael Rosen • —winner of the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize (age 0–5 and overall) • —Greenaway runner up, Highly Commended • Farmer Duck (Walker), 1991, by Martin Waddell • —winner of the British Illustrated Children's Book of the Year and the Smarties Prize (age 0–5 and overall) • —Greenaway runner up, Highly Commended • The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig (1993), illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, written by Eugene Trivizas • —Greenaway runner up, Highly Commended • —Parents' Choice Gold Award • It's My Birthday (1993), written and illustrated • So Much (Walker), 1994, by Trish Cooke • —winner of the Kurt Maschler Award and the Smarties Prize (ages 0–5 years) • —Greenaway runner up, Highly Commended • Tickle, Tickle (1999), written and illustrated • —Booktrust Early Years Award • Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (Walker Books, 1999), an edition of the 1865 classic by Lewis Carroll • —winner of the Kurt Maschler Award and the Kate Greenaway Medal • Franny B. Kranny, There's a Bird in Your Hair (2000), by Harriet Goldhor Lerner • Big Momma Makes the World (2002), by Phyllis Root • —winner of the 2003 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, Picture Book • Alice Through the Looking Glass (Walker, 2005), an edition of Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll (1871) • The Growing Story (2007), by Ruth Krauss (1947) • Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes (2008), by Mem Fox • There's Going to Be a Baby (2010), by John Burningham • The Giant Jumperee (Re-Illustrator in 2017), by Julia Donaldson • Red Riding Hood (2019), Lost Story by Beatrix Potter • Welcome to the World (2022), by Julia Donaldson • Oh Dear, Look What I Got! (2025), by Michael Rosen

Helen Oxenbury is recorded with the occupation picture book writer. Recorded with the occupation stage painter. Where Helen Oxenbury came from, and how Helen Oxenbury was formed. Born on 2 June 1938. Oxenbury worked at Greater London. Recorded as having studied at Central School of Art and Design and Holliwood High School. Identity and origins. The authorities additionally record the heading Helen Gillian Oxenbury. Her recorded language was English. She married John Burningham.