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Helen Oxenbury: A Life in Illustration
A fascinating, beautiful, and definitive account of the life of esteemed artist Helen Oxenbury.
Filled with insights that span Helen Oxenbury's life — from her early childhood through a career in children's books that started in the 1960s and is still going strong today — here is an exquisitely designed and thoroughly entertaining celebration of one of the finest illustrators of our time. Written by acclaimed author Leonard S. Marcus, Helen A Life in Illustration is a keepsake that is sure to engage and delight everyone from scholars to art aficionados, as well as the many fans who have grown up with Helen Oxenbury’s enchanting books.
Filled with insights that span Helen Oxenbury's life — from her early childhood through a career in children's books that started in the 1960s and is still going strong today — here is an exquisitely designed and thoroughly entertaining celebration of one of the finest illustrators of our time. Written by acclaimed author Leonard S. Marcus, Helen A Life in Illustration is a keepsake that is sure to engage and delight everyone from scholars to art aficionados, as well as the many fans who have grown up with Helen Oxenbury’s enchanting books.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 9, 2019
2 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Leonard S. Marcus
71 books71 followersLeonard S. Marcus is one of the world's leading writers about children's books and their illustrations. His many books include The Wand in the Word: Conversations with Writers of Fantasy; Funny Business: Conversations with Writers of Comedy; Dear Genius; and others. His essays, interviews, and reviews appear in the New York Times Book Review, among other publications. Leonard S. Marcus lives in Brooklyn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 14, 2019
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Anyone who has ever read a children’s book will most likely know who Helen Oxenbury is or at least of heard of a few of her books. In A Life in Illustration, we get to take a look at Helen’s life and that of her children’s books and the illustrations that she drew to accompany them.
The book is split into different eras in time beginning with 1957-1962 as she begins the career that will last her a lifetime. The book tells you the story of Helen’s life and has lots of accompanying artwork, including private family photos, her illustrations and even photo’s of clay models of her characters.
The book also tells you the story of Walker Books, one of the most famous children’s books publishers and how Helen helped them to get to where they are in the publishing world today.
I’m not normally a lover of memoirs but having read plenty of Helen’s children’s books I was interested to know more about the woman behind the stories.
It is a big, heavy book but boy is it filled to the brim with something interesting on every page. Helen has had an incredible life and is loved by many, including a few who have taken the time to write about her.
The book was a real delight and eye-opening. I really did enjoy every page.
Anyone who has ever read a children’s book will most likely know who Helen Oxenbury is or at least of heard of a few of her books. In A Life in Illustration, we get to take a look at Helen’s life and that of her children’s books and the illustrations that she drew to accompany them.
The book is split into different eras in time beginning with 1957-1962 as she begins the career that will last her a lifetime. The book tells you the story of Helen’s life and has lots of accompanying artwork, including private family photos, her illustrations and even photo’s of clay models of her characters.
The book also tells you the story of Walker Books, one of the most famous children’s books publishers and how Helen helped them to get to where they are in the publishing world today.
I’m not normally a lover of memoirs but having read plenty of Helen’s children’s books I was interested to know more about the woman behind the stories.
It is a big, heavy book but boy is it filled to the brim with something interesting on every page. Helen has had an incredible life and is loved by many, including a few who have taken the time to write about her.
The book was a real delight and eye-opening. I really did enjoy every page.
March 22, 2019
I am literally stunned by this biography. This is probably the third coffee table sized biography of a children's illustrator I have ever seen (Dr. Seuss and Maurice Sendak being the other two). It is simply gorgeous. Numerous real photos and illustrations throughout. A great book wonderfully written by the equally wonderful Leonard S. Marcus.
May 1, 2020
An absolutely gorgeous book, with lots of Helen Oxenbury's illustrations throughout, a delightful treat whether you've read her books or not. I loved reading the stories behind the baby and toddler books, and of course Bear Hunt, and the backstory for Alice which we happen to have a copy of (we also have the one with older illustrations and I've debated with myself for years about keeping both). I did find the feminist stuff particularly the ideas behind Big Momma Makes the World off putting, hence the 4 stars instead of 5. Regardless of the author's or HO's take on "patriarchy", I think Helen's illustrations of motherhood and childhood and family speak more to the truths about our existence and our relationships. Not a book I would buy for our coffee table -- we have too many as it is -- but heartily recommend it to other children's book enthusiasts.
May 29, 2021
Beautiful and inspiring
October 14, 2018
Wonderful. And I've got it signed!
August 28, 2019
Helen Oxenbury: A Life in Illustration by Leonard S. Marcus, 264 pages. Candlewick, 2019. $40.
BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS, GIFT - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW
Since her first illustrated book in 1967, Helen Oxenbury has created a wealth of wonder for children all over the world. Mr. Marcus takes on a journey through 50 years of her career so far, letting us see photos of her with her author/illustrator husband and her children, along with many full-page, full-color illustrations from many of her books.
That said – I see a very limited market for this coffee table sized tome. While kids will love looking at the illustrations, I can only see a few adults wanting this for a personal collection. I was personally so excited to read it, but I was left cold when NONE of her 15 Tom and Pippo books were mentioned in the text – only in the bibliography. SO disappointing. I would suggest that you buy the actual board books and picture books to enjoy Helen’s art to the fullest.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS, GIFT - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW
Since her first illustrated book in 1967, Helen Oxenbury has created a wealth of wonder for children all over the world. Mr. Marcus takes on a journey through 50 years of her career so far, letting us see photos of her with her author/illustrator husband and her children, along with many full-page, full-color illustrations from many of her books.
That said – I see a very limited market for this coffee table sized tome. While kids will love looking at the illustrations, I can only see a few adults wanting this for a personal collection. I was personally so excited to read it, but I was left cold when NONE of her 15 Tom and Pippo books were mentioned in the text – only in the bibliography. SO disappointing. I would suggest that you buy the actual board books and picture books to enjoy Helen’s art to the fullest.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
March 31, 2019
Anyone who loves children's picture books will find this exploration of the work of Helen Oxenbury essential. Not only does the book contain beautiful full-page examples of her illustrations from various books published over her five-decades long career [starting in 1967 and continuing even today], but the author painstakingly explores her creative process, describes some of her inspirations, and traces the evolution of her painting style. I can't imagine anyone not falling in love with her images of babies and youngsters, and her keen powers of observation and ability to distill just the right moment to capture in a book are impressive. This artist's career is woven into the story of children's publishing and its own evolution as well, and this well-written exploration of Oxenbury's paintings is a treasure for bibliophiles with a handsomely-designed and over-sized volume, complete with a red ribbon for marking favorite pages.
February 9, 2019
Wow, this is such a lively and very interesting book all about the illustrator Helen Oxenbury. A coffee table book, it’s very heavy and quite large in size but it feels like such a wonderful book to both hold and read. Inside there are very thick matt pages with both text and many illustrations by Helen, there is also a lovely ribbon that acts as a bookmark, and the whole book has a dust jacket with some wonderful secret pictures on the hardback covers which you can see if you carefully take off the dust jacket.
This book feels very special and is so interesting to read. It is a biography of Helen’s life as an illustrator. It begins from her childhood and goes chronologically through her life, touching on her earlier years in college, as well as what she did afterwards before settling down as a book illustrator. As you read Helen’s story, you get to see so many lovely illustrations that she has done over the years. I didn’t know some of Helen’s earlier books, and it was nice to be able to see the beautiful and very detailed illustrations she has done.
As you read on about Helen’s life, you get an insight into the publisher Walker Books too, as well as a little bit of insight into children’s publishing in the past. You learn all about the man who started the Walker Books, and how different the publisher was to others. It’s very interesting to read and makes me even more curious to learn more. You also see how Helen’s story ties into the publisher. In a sense, at times, this book is both about Helen and Walker Books and it’s only when you read through the text that you learn all about how important the publisher has been to Helen (and other illustrators) life and how important Helen has been in to the publisher.
The book is separated into chapters and each is filled with so many lovely illustrations. There are pages with both text and images, and then many double page spreads of Helen’s work on some of her most important and successful books (of course including ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’). As well as illustrations there are photographs of both Helen and her family as well as various other friends, you even get to see some of Helen’s sculptures!
This book has been so fun and fascinating to read. Helen Oxenbury has brought so many stories to life with her beautiful illustrations which are just perfect for the stories that are being told. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone, whether you know Helen’s illustrations or not. She is a remarkable person and the story of both her life and that of Walker Books is such an interesting one. You even get to find out a little bit about the Walker Books bear logo if you read through to the very end! A perfect book that I’d really recommend.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy for review.
This book feels very special and is so interesting to read. It is a biography of Helen’s life as an illustrator. It begins from her childhood and goes chronologically through her life, touching on her earlier years in college, as well as what she did afterwards before settling down as a book illustrator. As you read Helen’s story, you get to see so many lovely illustrations that she has done over the years. I didn’t know some of Helen’s earlier books, and it was nice to be able to see the beautiful and very detailed illustrations she has done.
As you read on about Helen’s life, you get an insight into the publisher Walker Books too, as well as a little bit of insight into children’s publishing in the past. You learn all about the man who started the Walker Books, and how different the publisher was to others. It’s very interesting to read and makes me even more curious to learn more. You also see how Helen’s story ties into the publisher. In a sense, at times, this book is both about Helen and Walker Books and it’s only when you read through the text that you learn all about how important the publisher has been to Helen (and other illustrators) life and how important Helen has been in to the publisher.
The book is separated into chapters and each is filled with so many lovely illustrations. There are pages with both text and images, and then many double page spreads of Helen’s work on some of her most important and successful books (of course including ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’). As well as illustrations there are photographs of both Helen and her family as well as various other friends, you even get to see some of Helen’s sculptures!
This book has been so fun and fascinating to read. Helen Oxenbury has brought so many stories to life with her beautiful illustrations which are just perfect for the stories that are being told. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone, whether you know Helen’s illustrations or not. She is a remarkable person and the story of both her life and that of Walker Books is such an interesting one. You even get to find out a little bit about the Walker Books bear logo if you read through to the very end! A perfect book that I’d really recommend.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy for review.
December 31, 2018
Glorious reflections on a life and love of art, of children's publishing and books.
Anybody with children will surely know Helen Oxenbury, if not by name then by the body of her work. Who hasn't seen We're Going on a Bear Hunt?
This wonderfully put-together biography traverses not only Oxenbury's life, from becoming an artist and children's illustrator, wife and mother, but also incidentally chronicles publishing giant Walker's early years and rise, partly through Oxenbury's sublime efforts.
Each chapter focuses on one decade at a time, the major works of the artist, and spares no expense in including full pages (and double spreads) of examples from her work. The styles of art, drawing materials and techniques she uses are dwelt on (fascinating for a non-artist such as myself, to whom they all look beautiful but nameless until someone explains them to me).
I never knew that it was Oxenbury who created the Walker Bear logo. I was rather moved by the Walker founder's story and legacy. And I so admired the author's focus on connecting Oxenbury's professional work with her family life and work as a mother. Very empowering to see a woman's nurturing and loving role contributing to such beloved and pioneering family-centred stories and drawings.
The author clearly knows and admires his subject well, other contributors she has worked with all bring their opinions of her work to the book as well. I would have liked some words from husband John Burningham as well though, that felt like a glaring omission.
It's a warm read, so interesting for anyone who enjoys learning more about the creation of picture books, publishing or artists in general. And such a beautiful book to look through, so many of my favourite reads shared with my boys are here, and I loved learning more about their inception and development.
With many thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
Anybody with children will surely know Helen Oxenbury, if not by name then by the body of her work. Who hasn't seen We're Going on a Bear Hunt?
This wonderfully put-together biography traverses not only Oxenbury's life, from becoming an artist and children's illustrator, wife and mother, but also incidentally chronicles publishing giant Walker's early years and rise, partly through Oxenbury's sublime efforts.
Each chapter focuses on one decade at a time, the major works of the artist, and spares no expense in including full pages (and double spreads) of examples from her work. The styles of art, drawing materials and techniques she uses are dwelt on (fascinating for a non-artist such as myself, to whom they all look beautiful but nameless until someone explains them to me).
I never knew that it was Oxenbury who created the Walker Bear logo. I was rather moved by the Walker founder's story and legacy. And I so admired the author's focus on connecting Oxenbury's professional work with her family life and work as a mother. Very empowering to see a woman's nurturing and loving role contributing to such beloved and pioneering family-centred stories and drawings.
The author clearly knows and admires his subject well, other contributors she has worked with all bring their opinions of her work to the book as well. I would have liked some words from husband John Burningham as well though, that felt like a glaring omission.
It's a warm read, so interesting for anyone who enjoys learning more about the creation of picture books, publishing or artists in general. And such a beautiful book to look through, so many of my favourite reads shared with my boys are here, and I loved learning more about their inception and development.
With many thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
September 23, 2021
In this substantial and inspirational tribute to Helen Oxenbury (born in Ipswich in 1938; lives in North London), one of the world’s most famous children’s author-illustrators, Leonard S. Marcus’ study of her life and work shows how Oxenbury immerses herself in people watching and expressing humanity’s need to accept each other’s imperfections in her evolving artistic creations for children. Oxenbury’s first book, Numbers of Things (one of the first board books starring babies), was published in 1967, and she has published more than one hundred children’s picture and board books up to now. After an introductory interview with Helen Oxenbury, the book is divided into seven time eras, each with biographical narratives, photos, illustrations (including covers along with some double-page spreads and excerpts from her books). Back matter includes a “Postscripts” section with testimonies from colleagues and collaborators; a “Bibliography” section with 88 of Oxenbury’s books listed by publication dates; a “The Walker Bear” section about the logo Oxenbury drew for her UK publisher, Walker Books, and her contribution to Walker Books and Candlewick Press; and a “Significant Awards” section.—NB
August 9, 2023
I loved being able to see samples of art done for books I'll probably never see, for example Oxenbury's 'Alice.' I loved learning about publishing history... I'm surprised how fascinated I was, reading about the different developments of creating books *for children* (especially for diverse children). The artist was indeed inspired by her own, esp. by her youngest, to give them what they wanted & needed, rather than what some adults might imagine would be good for them.
I've always loved We're Going on a Bear Hunt and the laudatory notes from Marcus, and from Rosen in the 'Postscripts' section, only served to deepen my appreciation. Some of the lauds got a little tiresome (I'm not particularly impressed by the artist's very early crayon work, for example), but mostly this is just a lovely book to spend some time with.
And it inspired me to try to find copies, either in my libraries or as archived on OpenLibrary, for works that I've missed.
I wouldn't buy it full price for one family, but I hope your library has a copy.
I've always loved We're Going on a Bear Hunt and the laudatory notes from Marcus, and from Rosen in the 'Postscripts' section, only served to deepen my appreciation. Some of the lauds got a little tiresome (I'm not particularly impressed by the artist's very early crayon work, for example), but mostly this is just a lovely book to spend some time with.
And it inspired me to try to find copies, either in my libraries or as archived on OpenLibrary, for works that I've missed.
I wouldn't buy it full price for one family, but I hope your library has a copy.
December 15, 2018
It is very rare that illustrators are as openly celebrated as the authors of the books they collaborate on. But this account of Helen Oxenburys life does just that - it celebrates the incredible skill of an illustrator many of us will be fond of from the stories of our childhood or from our children’s bedtime readings.
This book is just stunning. Hundreds of illustrations grace the pages, which is pretty nostalgic to say the least, with a full account of Helens life so far and the books she has worked on but - more so than that - it looks at her life building up to becoming an illustrator. It appears that some children really do know what they want to be when they grow up!
A very thoughtful, inspiring, beautiful and nostalgic book showcasing and celebrating an illustrator who absolutely deserves it. Really great for fans of her work.
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
This book is just stunning. Hundreds of illustrations grace the pages, which is pretty nostalgic to say the least, with a full account of Helens life so far and the books she has worked on but - more so than that - it looks at her life building up to becoming an illustrator. It appears that some children really do know what they want to be when they grow up!
A very thoughtful, inspiring, beautiful and nostalgic book showcasing and celebrating an illustrator who absolutely deserves it. Really great for fans of her work.
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2019
A beautiful biography about the renowned artist, illustrator and author Helen Oxenbury. Known for the many picture books she has illustrated and written, it is a biography the size of a picture book but with many more pages, 289 to be precise. Its larger size brings out the pages with illustrations to the originals.
Full page photographs of the artist working are the first pages before Marcus introduces the reader to his first encounter with Helen Oxenbury; an interview that took place in 1989. Chronologically he writes about Oxenbury including illustrations of all of her books she contributed to. Chapters are divided into decades except for the first two. Several authors have contributed their collaborative experience with Oxenbury in the postscripts. An elaborate bibliography includes covers of all of Oxenbury’s books.
A wonderful reference source for those interested in the full scope of Oxenbury’s work.
Written
R
Professional
Full page photographs of the artist working are the first pages before Marcus introduces the reader to his first encounter with Helen Oxenbury; an interview that took place in 1989. Chronologically he writes about Oxenbury including illustrations of all of her books she contributed to. Chapters are divided into decades except for the first two. Several authors have contributed their collaborative experience with Oxenbury in the postscripts. An elaborate bibliography includes covers of all of Oxenbury’s books.
A wonderful reference source for those interested in the full scope of Oxenbury’s work.
Written
R
Professional
December 26, 2021
How did I ever stumble across this large-format book? And in the juvenile section of a far-away city no less! What a great find. Such a great creation. And a great artist as the subject! Marcus, in collaboration with Oxenbury, has showcased her development, craft, philosophy, collaborations, and influence using lots of lovely source materials, photographs, comments from family, editors and publishers, and the artist herself, and gorgeous reproductions of her visual creations. Oxenbury’s works were accelerating into the world at the same time we were raising our young family, so some of her titles were very familiar. But I have now added a whole new list of her works to read, look at, and hopefully share with grandkids and other young readers.
June 19, 2019
A beautifully illustrated biography of Helen Oxenbury and her work. The text is comfortable and almost intimate. And of course the illustrations, of Oxenbury's works, are sumptuous, gorgeous, and evocative of her body of work for children. This is a book to be read and savored. Also included are short interviews with some of the authors she illustrated for as well as a beautifully constructed bibliography of her works, by year, including the covers, in color, of those works. Young and old alike will appreciate this book whether those who appreciate children's literature or artists and art students.
April 17, 2019
This is a gorgeous coffee table book with engaging biographical information and stunning reproductions of Helen Oxenbury's work. I had a very limited awareness of this illustrator before finding this biography at the library, and now that I have read this, I am interested to check out more of her work.
November 4, 2019
This is a gorgeous book. I've long been a fan of Oxenbury and I was eager to learn about her career. I didn't realize what a big impact she had on the board book format. Not sure what children will be this interested in the publishing industry - it doesn't really read like a non-fiction title for kids.
March 26, 2025
This was really lovely, a thoughtful biography that showcased both Helen Oxenbury’s life and development as an illustrator - and didn’t skimp on the art itself! I coincidentally read Richard Scarry’s biography at the same time and this was LIGHTYEARS better than that, even though I was initially more interested in reading about him.
November 8, 2025
Skim read while visiting an exhibition of her work at the always interesting Harley Gallery. Seems like a good book, but I would've liked more about her actual day-to-day process (admittedly I might've missed it) and more photographs of her at work (I saw a couple of interesting ones at the start, but no more).
December 9, 2018
A fascinating glimpse into the life of a wonderful illustrator. The illustrations taken from her books bring back lovely memories of reading these books to my children and giving them to my grandchildren. Inspiring and memorable.
June 26, 2019
This book, to me, is NOT a biography for kids to read, but a grownup book, a coffee table book, and a book that readers of children’s literature will love. I have read many, but not all, of her works. Next on my list, re-read, and lay closer attention to exquisite illustrations.
July 20, 2019
Maybe it’s because I’m American that I find it surprising this book exists: a lavish coffee table book of the sort that might be made of Charles Schulz or Jim Henson. However the selection and presentation of Oxenbury’s work do make a convincing case that she deserves it.
August 14, 2019
Oh what a beautiful book! It’s a wonderful read about her early life and career as a children’s book illustrator, but the illustrations make it even better. I will come back to this over and over to study her masterful watercolors.
June 12, 2019
A perfect course in "illustration appreciation" for anyone who loves picture books, or for that matter, board books.
August 15, 2019
《与绘画相伴一生》（美）伦纳德·S.马库斯。
7，8岁时候画的《我的爷爷》太让人印象深刻了，小小年纪就画的这么好了！真的是与绘画相伴的充实幸福的一生！“我想生活在她创造的世界里。”感同身受！真的是活着要知道到底发自内心喜欢的对自己真正重要的到底是什么，就是不感兴趣的东西真的就不要勉强自己了。
最近传记看的都是自传，突然看到不是自传，有点不习惯。视角不一样，期待访谈或自传。
7，8岁时候画的《我的爷爷》太让人印象深刻了，小小年纪就画的这么好了！真的是与绘画相伴的充实幸福的一生！“我想生活在她创造的世界里。”感同身受！真的是活着要知道到底发自内心喜欢的对自己真正重要的到底是什么，就是不感兴趣的东西真的就不要勉强自己了。
最近传记看的都是自传，突然看到不是自传，有点不习惯。视角不一样，期待访谈或自传。
December 12, 2019
TWR: inspiring, beautiful, enjoyable
February 16, 2020
Loved it! Great story and the full-page spreads of her art were beautiful.
July 4, 2020
This book gives an appreciation for children’s book illustrations and Helen’s lovely contributions to children’s literature.
January 18, 2021
The woman is brilliant, and this book is a gorgeous object. It’s also full of great information about the history of publishing for children in the last 60
years.
years.
March 28, 2021
A beautiful picture book for adults.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews