RAR #69: Helen Oxenbury, Behind the Scenes with an Award-Winning Illustrator

For Mamas of Younger Kids
bySarah Mackenzie

This is one of the most delightful conversations we’ve ever had on the Read-Aloud Revival podcast!

Helen Oxenbury

I’m talking today with Helen Oxenbury, author and illustrator, about creating picture books – from where she gets her ideas, to the supplies she uses to draw animals (and the cutest darn babies around) and more.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • which books Helen read to her own 3 children
  • what it’s been like working with her husband, author and illustrator John Burningham (the creator of the Mr. Gumpy series)
  • how Helen chooses different media to create atmosphere in her beautiful books

Grab the kids for this one – Helen is sharing tips for young illustrators in this absolutely charming discussion.

 Click the play button below:

Books from this episode:

(All links are affiliate links.)

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
The Adventures of Tintin, Vol. 1 (Tintin in America / Cigars of the Pharaoh / The Blue Lotus)
Mr. Gumpy’s Outing
Farmer Duck
Green Eggs and Ham (Beginner Books(R))
Tom and Pippo See the Moon (Oxenbury, Helen. Pippo.)
The Giant Jumperee
There’s Going to Be a Baby
The Rupert Bear Annual
The Story of Babar: The Little Elephant
So Much!
Tickle, Tickle (Board Books)
Baby Love: A Board Book Gift Set/All Fall Down; Clap Hands; Say Goodnight; Tickle, Tickle
Eating Out

Links from today’s show: