Dick Bruna

Dick Bruna was born in Utrecht on 23 August 1927 – the year of the rabbit, according to the Japanese zodiac.  As the son of a publisher, Dick was introduced to books and authors at an early age.  He grew up in Zeist, surrounded by chickens, rabbits, dogs and a goat, and enjoyed a wonderful childhood with his brother Frits.

During his school years, Dick developed a keen interest in art and drawing.  Then came the war, and Dick and his father were in danger of being taken into forced labour.  The family went into hiding and lived underground for two years in a house by the lake.  Occasionally they would hide from the Germans amongst reeds in a small boat.  During this time, Dick spent hours drawing, playing the accordion, writing songs and working on a book.  He was 18 when the war ended.

Though he began by training in publishing, Dick really wanted to be an artist, drawing inspiration from the bold use of colour by masters such as Leger and Matisse. After marrying his wife Irene in 1952, Dick took up a permanent position as a designer in the family’s publishing firm, A.W. Bruna & Zoon.  

For the next 10 years he was to create numerous book-jackets and posters, as well as producing his first picture books, including the first edition of Miffy in 1955.  This was also a busy time in Dick’s personal life with the birth of his three children: son Sierk in 1954, son Marc in 1958 and daughter Madelon in 1961.  In 1962, Dick was appointed co-director of the publishing house and continued to give the company a striking house style through award-winning book-jackets and posters until the early 1970s.  

In 1975, Dick decided to work for himself, and the Miffy series really took off.  He also started accepting poster and card commissions for organisations including Unicef, the Netherlands Red Cross, The Hague, Amnesty International and the Netherlands Dairies.

Now 75 years old, Dick Bruna continues to delight children and adults the world over with his enchanting drawings and stories.  His work has won numerous awards and has featured in many prestigious exhibitions around the world.

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Featured Books, with extracts by Dick Bruna

Miffy's Garden
Dick Bruna
How do flowers grow? What can Miffy do to help? Miffy experiences the pleasures of gardening for the first time... Miffy is the little girl bunny who has become a friend to millions of babies and toddlers since she was created...
Featured in: Baby and Toddler
Format: Hardback - Released: 07/03/2005
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Miffy and the New Baby
Dick Bruna
Miffy has a sibling and it's a little strange...Will mama bunny still love her?  A lovely book that's full of reassurance. Miffy is the little girl bunny who has become a friend to millions of babies and toddlers since she was...
Featured in: Baby and Toddler
Format: Hardback - Released: 07/03/2005
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Miffy is Crying
Dick Bruna
Miffy wakes up in the middle of the night and finds that something is missing - her teddy bear. Many tears are shed as she searches high and low for her beloved companion. Miffy is the little girl bunny who has...
Featured in: Baby and Toddler
Format: Hardback - Released: 04/10/2004
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Miffy's Bicycle
Dick Bruna
Miffy's only a little rabbit now, but she dreams of a time when she will be old enough to ride her very own bicycle. Join her as she dreams of all the adventures she will have... Miffy is the little girl...
Featured in: Baby and Toddler
Format: Hardback - Released: 04/10/2004
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Miffy at the Zoo
Dick Bruna
A pair of parrots, a zebra and a kangaroo - these are just some of the animals Miffy sees for the first time at the zoo!  A perfect companion to a trip to the zoo. Miffy is the little girl bunny...
Featured in: Baby and Toddler
Format: Hardback - Released: 04/10/2004
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Miffy at School
Dick Bruna
A wonderfully reassuring little book perfect for parent and child to enjoy together just before a toddler heads off to nursery school. Miffy is the little girl bunny who has become a friend to millions of babies and toddlers since she...
Featured in: Baby and Toddler
Format: Hardback - Released: 04/03/2004
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Miffy
Dick Bruna
Mr and Mrs Bunny have a little baby bunny. Her name is Miffy. All the animals come and look at her. At the end of the day little Miffy is tired. Miffy is the little girl bunny who has become a...
Featured in: 3+ readers | Baby and Toddler
Format: Hardback - Released: 04/05/2003
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Miffy at the Gallery
Dick Bruna
A great way to introduce young children to the modern art world. Simplifies forms of modern art to toddlers while retaining a child's sense of wonderment. A lovely read for children and parents alike. Miffy is the little girl bunny who...
Featured in: Baby and Toddler
Format: Hardback - Released: 04/05/2003
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Miffy the Fairy
Dick Bruna
A wonderfully imagined little book about a fairy-like Miffy.  Enchanting. Miffy is the little girl bunny who has become a friend to millions of babies and toddlers since she was created by Dick Bruna in the 1950s.  She has instant appeal...
Featured in: Baby and Toddler
Format: Hardback - Released: 04/05/2003
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Miffy at the Seaside
Dick Bruna
Perfect addition for the beach bag this summer for both baby and toddler. Miffy is the little girl bunny who has become a friend to millions of babies and toddlers since she was created by Dick Bruna in the 1950s.  She...
Featured in: Baby and Toddler
Format: Hardback - Released: 04/05/2003
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