Let's hear it for Anthony Browne!

I was very pleased to learn earlier this week that Anthony Browne, one of my favorite authors and artists, is the new British Children's Laureate. This quote from him expresses a sentiment I believe in wholeheartedly:

"Picture books are for everybody at any age, not books to be left behind as we grow older," said Browne. "The best ones leave a tantalising gap between the pictures and the words,a gap that is filled by the reader's imagination, adding so much to the excitement of reading a book. 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."

If you're not familiar with his work, look for Voices in the Park, The Tunnel, The Shape Game and so many more!