Who is Anthony Brown?

Some people may find this name unfamiliar, but for many young picture book readers or picture book lovers, this person is definitely one of the greatest artists in the world, because they have been reading this since they were very young. I have admired his works since then.

Anthony Brown

British writer

As a master of British surrealist picture books, the 69-year-old Anthony Brown has tens of millions of readers around the world. reader. To date, Anthony Brown has published more than fifty works and has won many awards, including two Kate Greenaway Awards and three Kurt Mahira Awards. Anthony Brown also won the International Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustrator, the first time a British illustrator has won this honor.

In addition, Anthony Brown was also named the British Children's Literature Laureate. He uses picture books and colorful cultural activities to continuously stimulate children's imagination and potential.

Currently, Anthony Brown’s picture books have been translated into 26 languages ??and published, and the original illustrations have been published in many countries and regions including the United States, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, France, South Korea, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan. Exhibited in various regions and loved by readers.

Anthony’s brush has created one vivid picture book image after another, each with their own characteristics and personality, such as "Gorilla and Little Star", which understands the art of making friends, and presents to family members "Gorilla" who opens his heart and speaks his mind, Toby who does not envy others and creates his own world "Through the Mirror", but if we want to say that the most influential and successful among Anthony Brown's works, 1983 The publication of "Gorilla" must be well deserved. At that time, the book gained great popularity, and TV stations invited Anthony to go to the zoo to film programs.

When talking about the inspiration for every excellent work, Anthony will always tell us without any secret that his inspiration comes from his childhood experience, the experience of his children, or other people’s stories. Or movies, paintings, dreams, etc., there are many sources of inspiration. When we create, we turn these rich things into a painting, compose a song, or write a book. In fact, artists and children are the same, they are both playing their own "shape game". The rules of Anthony's Shape Game are very simple. The first character or thing that appears in the painting is a simple shape, and the second one must be drawn into something "meaningful" using pens of different colors. In addition, whether in the paintings or between the lines, Anthony always leaves an imperceptible blank space, allowing the quietly sprouting feelings in the readers' hearts to find a home.

Anthony in Creation

Carefully explore the surprises hidden in the paintings of Anthony’s works. It is difficult to spot at first glance, but slowly you will discover many interesting stories and novelties. Imagine. A man walking tomatoes, a dancing Santa Claus, a woman putting a puppy in a stroller, a puppy with a human head, a tree hiding a wolf, a kettle that turned into a puppy, shoes with wings that turned into Crocodile sofa, hat-shaped tree, flaming keys, orangutan version of Mona Lisa... Anthony said that it is precisely because of them that he will not feel boring when creating. He hopes readers can also use them in picture books. Feel the fun of "treasure hunting". Although they are all common things in life, if we can depict a rich story background and give an unexpected storyline, we can create a whole new world.

Many people wonder, can children understand the metaphors in Anthony’s book?

Anthony said that these metaphorical elements are derived from his personal interests. Children may need to read it many times to discover some of the hidden things. Although children cannot understand it immediately at the beginning, Anthony I don’t want the kids to hang a painting on the wall like they do in school, and then the kids look at the painting and ask if they understand. Anthony hopes more that parents and teachers can teach children that everyone has their own way of interpretation. Everyone can read the differences in paintings from their own experiences and read the different levels contained in the works.

Anthony Brown

and his friends

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As Anthony said in the interview: My book does have some Especially - only by looking at it with some patience can you gain something. If you don't put in some effort, you may not be able to see directly.