New Children's Laureate - Anthony Browne

The 6th Children's Laureate was announced yesterday - he's Anthony Browne. He takes over from Michael Rosen and will serve until 2011. Browne is a prize-winning author and illustrator (famous titles include Gorilla and Willy the Wimp - for more see our catalogue) and intends to use his term as Laureate to promote picture books. In his acceptance speech, he said: "'Picture books are special – they're not like anything else. Sometimes I hear parents encouraging their children to read what they call proper books (books without pictures), at an earlier and earlier age. This makes me sad, as picture books are perfect for sharing, and not just with the youngest children. As a father, I understand the importance of the bond that develops through reading picture books with your child. We have in Britain some of the best picture book makers in the world, and I want to see their books appreciated for what they are – works of art." The BBC has also published an interview and video to mark the occasion.