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Helen Oxenbury


Helen Oxenbury has charmed generations of children with her award-winning illustrations. She has won the Kate Greenaway medal and the Nestle Smarties Prize and her numerous books include We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. She lives in London with her husband, the author and artist, John Burningham.

As a child
Growing up in Ipswich, England, Helen Oxenbury loved nothing more than drawing. As a teenager, she entered art school and basked in the pleasure of drawing, and nothing but drawing, all day. During vacations she helped out at the Ipswich Repertory Theatre workshop, mixing paints for set designers. It was there that she decided her future lay in theatre design. While studying costume design, however, Helen was told by a teacher, “This is hopeless, you know. You ought to go and do illustrations – you’re much more interested in the character, and we don’t know who’s going to play the part!”

As an adult
Sets and scenery, not books, remained Helen’s preoccupation for her early adult life as she embarked on careers in theatre, film, and TV. After marrying John Burningham, another of the world’s most eminent children’s book illustrators, and giving birth to their first child, at last she turned to illustrating children’s books. “When I had babies,” Helen says, “I wanted to be home with them and look for something to do there.” Helen and her husband make their home in London, where the she works in a nearby studio. She is also an avid tennis player.

As an artist
Today, Helen is among the most popular and critically acclaimed illustrators of her time. Her numerous books for children include the Kate Greenaway Medal-winning Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll; Smarties Book Prize-winning Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell; We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen; Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, written by Mem Fox, as well as her classic board books for babies. And what does she love most about her work? Thinking up new ideas? Seeing the finished book? Not at all. For Helen, “The best part is when I think I know what I’m doing and I’ve completed a few drawings. In fact, when I get about a third of the way through, and I feel I’m on my way, then I’m happy. It’s like reading a good book – you don’t want it to end.”


Featured Books, with extracts illustrated by Helen Oxenbury


There's Going to be a Baby
There's Going to be a Baby
John Burningham
Award-winning illustrators John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury have teamed up to create this stunning and touching story about the excitement and anxiety surrounding the arrival of a new baby in the family. Funny, kind and thoughtful about the many different...
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/09/2011
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There's Going to be a Baby
There's Going to be a Baby
John Burningham
Award-winning husband and wife John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury have teamed up in this wonderful picture book which delicately captures the complex and sometimes overpowering feelings of an older sibling waiting for the arrival of a new baby. John Burningham’s...
Format: Hardback - Released: 04/10/2010
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Alice's Adventures In Wonderland - Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
Alice's Adventures In Wonderland - Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
Lewis Carroll
Abundantly illustrated with warmth and humour by Helen Oxenbury, the memorable cast of characters are to be found in all their glory here in this edition, from Alice herself to the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat. ...
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/03/2009
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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (illustrated by Helen Oxenbury)
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (illustrated by Helen Oxenbury)
Lewis Carroll
Full of the most wondrous wit and humour, wonderful magic and believable nonsense, this particular edition has the most stunning illustrations that complement the imaginative story that’s anything but dull.  The story is timeless and can be read at so many different levels.  It’s...
Format: Paperback - Released: 08/05/2001
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Books illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

There's Going to be a Baby
There's Going to be a Baby
John Burningham
When is the baby coming? What can we call it? What can the baby do? We don't really need the baby, do we? Suitable for new-siblings-to-be, this book follows the questions that stream through a young child's mind, as the...
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/09/2011
Price: £5.24 - Saving 1.75 (25%)
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It's My Birthday
It's My Birthday
Helen Oxenbury
This is a simple, scrumptious birthday story one from beloved author-illustrator, Helen Oxenbury. 'It's my birthday and I'm going to make a cake', a little boy tells his friends. Will they all help? Yes. The chicken gets some eggs; the...
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/08/2010
Price: £4.49 - Saving 1.50 (25%)
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The Complete Alice
The Complete Alice
Lewis Carroll
Lavishly illustrated in watercolor and charcoal, these exuberant editions offer contemporary children their own accessible view into the whimsical world of Wonderland. Includes hardcover editions of Alices Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass. Pkg.
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/11/2009
Price: £14.99 - Saving 5.00 (25%)
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Farmer Duck
Farmer Duck
Martin Waddell
Martin Waddell's uplifting modern fable and Helen Oxenbury's humor and pathos make this a very special collaboration.
Farmer Duck isn't your average duck. This duck cooks and cleans, tends the fields, and cares for the other animals on the farm--all...
Format: Paperback - Released: 10/09/2009
Price: £5.99 - Saving 2.00 (25%)
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Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
Mem Fox

Format: Paperback - Released: 03/08/2009
Price: £5.24 - Saving 1.75 (25%)
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Alice Through the Looking-glass Walker Illustrated Classics
Alice Through the Looking-glass Walker Illustrated Classics
Lewis Carroll
Alice walking through a mirror into a topsy-turvy world. There she meets a host of bizarre characters, including Tweedledum and Tweedledee, Humpty Dumpty and the Red Queen. But is it all a dream?
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/06/2009
Price: £7.49 - Saving 2.50 (25%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Michael Rosen
We're going on a bear hunt. Through the long wavy grass, the thick oozy mud and the swirling, whirling snowstorm - will we find a bear today?
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/06/2009
Price: £5.99 - Saving 2.00 (25%)
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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Walker Illustrated Classics
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Walker Illustrated Classics
Lewis Carroll
Part of a series which brings together some of the best-loved stories, this book presents Alice in Wonderland illustrated with pictures.
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/03/2009
Price: £7.49 - Saving 2.50 (25%)
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Alice Through the Looking-glass
Alice Through the Looking-glass
Lewis Carroll
Continuing Alice's adventures, this book sees her walking through a mirror into a topsy-turvy world. There she meets a host of bizarre characters, including Tweedledum and Tweedledee, Humpty Dumpty and the Red Queen. But is it all a dream?
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/10/2008
Price: £7.49 - Saving 2.50 (25%)
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The Growing Story
The Growing Story
Ruth Krauss
A classically beautiful picture book from Helen Oxenbury and Ruth Krauss. Share the universal experience of growing up and discover the rhythms of the seasons in this wonderfully timeless story.
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/05/2008
Price: £4.49 - Saving 1.50 (25%)
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So Much
So Much
Trish Cooke
Everybody wants to squeeze the baby, everybody wants to kiss the baby, everybody loves the baby so much! As each member of the family arrives at the gathering, the baby is given lots more attention - and then the party...
Format: Paperback - Released: 03/03/2008
Price: £5.24 - Saving 1.75 (25%)
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Farmer Duck in French and English
Farmer Duck in French and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 14/03/2007
Price: £5.63 - Saving 1.88 (25%)
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Farmer Duck in Tagalog and English
Farmer Duck in Tagalog and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 25/01/2007
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Bulgarian and English
Farmer Duck in Bulgarian and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 30/07/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Romanian and English
Farmer Duck in Romanian and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 30/07/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Polish and English
Farmer Duck in Polish and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Albanian and English
Farmer Duck in Albanian and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £5.63 - Saving 1.88 (25%)
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Farmer Duck in Italian and English
Farmer Duck in Italian and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Tamil and English
Farmer Duck in Tamil and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Gujarati and English
Farmer Duck in Gujarati and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Chinese (simplified) and English
Farmer Duck in Chinese (simplified) and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £5.63 - Saving 1.88 (25%)
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Farmer Duck in Kurdish and English
Farmer Duck in Kurdish and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Turkish and English
Farmer Duck in Turkish and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in German and English
Farmer Duck in German and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Portuguese and English
Farmer Duck in Portuguese and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Malayalam and English
Farmer Duck in Malayalam and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Yoruba and English
Farmer Duck in Yoruba and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Chinese and English
Farmer Duck in Chinese and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Vietnamese and English
Farmer Duck in Vietnamese and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £5.63 - Saving 1.88 (25%)
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Farmer Duck in Greek and English
Farmer Duck in Greek and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Urdu and English
Farmer Duck in Urdu and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Korean and English
Farmer Duck in Korean and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Spanish and English
Farmer Duck in Spanish and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Panjabi and English
Farmer Duck in Panjabi and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Russian and English
Farmer Duck in Russian and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Bengali and English
Farmer Duck in Bengali and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Japanese and English
Farmer Duck in Japanese and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Hindi and English
Farmer Duck in Hindi and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £5.63 - Saving 1.88 (25%)
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Farmer Duck in Nepali and English
Farmer Duck in Nepali and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2006
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck in Arabic and English
Farmer Duck in Arabic and English
Martin Waddell

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/02/2002
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll
A highly-illustrated edition of Lewis Carroll's classic story. With pictures by Helen Oxenbury, its approach seeks to be contemporary and accessible: Alice herself is a child of today - casually dressed, personable and spirited.
Format: Paperback - Released: 08/05/2001
Price: £7.49 - Saving 2.50 (25%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Portuguese and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Portuguese and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 31/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Tamil and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Tamil and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 31/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Czech and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Czech and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 31/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Turkish and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Turkish and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 31/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Farsi and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Farsi and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 31/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Vietnamese and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Vietnamese and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 31/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Chinese and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Chinese and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 31/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Somali and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Somali and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 15/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Gujarati and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Gujarati and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 15/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in French and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in French and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 15/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Urdu and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Urdu and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Bengali and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Bengali and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Albanian and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Albanian and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Arabic and English
We're Going on a Bear Hunt in Arabic and English
Michael Rosen

Format: Paperback - Released: 01/01/2001
Price: £6.38 - Saving 1.13 (15%)
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Farmer Duck Play
Story Plays S.: Farmer Duck Play
Vivian French, Martin Waddell, Michael Rosen
This collection of dramatic versions of favourite stories, retold by Vivian French - with illustrations from the original books, are written for four voices. Each part, denoted by different colour bands, can be read by a single or several voices...
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/03/2000
Price: £2.99 - Saving 1.00 (25%)
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The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig
Eugenios Trivizas
An altered retelling of the traditional tale about the conflict between pig and wolf--with a surprise ending.
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/05/1997
Price: £0.42 - Saving 0.10 (19%)
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It's My Birthday
It's My Birthday
Helen Oxenbury
The toddler in this story is celebrating his birthday, and wants to make a cake. So he asks his animal friends for help in getting the ingredients. The chicken gets some eggs, the bear gets flour, the cat gets butter...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/02/1996
Price: £3.74 - Saving 1.25 (25%)
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Farmer Duck
Farmer Duck
Martin Waddell
The winner of the Smarties Book Prize and the Children's Illustrated Book of the Year, this story is about a duck who lived with a lazy old farmer. The duck did all the work while the farmer stayed in bed...
Format: Paperback - Released: 04/09/1995
Price: £4.49 - Saving 1.50 (25%)
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Michael Rosen
Follow the family's excitement as they wade through the grass, splash through the river and squelch through the mud in search of the bear. What a surprise awaits in the cave on the other side of the dark forest.
Format: Paperback - Released: 16/09/1993
Price: £4.49 - Saving 1.50 (25%)
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