As we set off for the Bologna Book Fair (Ryanair, thank goodness – we don’t spaff our dosh on BA tickets, oh, no!), we are able to tell you that Quentin Blake (illustration © Quentin Blake) came out top in our survey of favourite illustrators. First published (in Punch) at the age of 16, he has illustrated more than 300 books, won awards including a CBE, and was the UK’s first Children’s Laureate. Here’s a link to his official site
Also in the top five were:
- Axel Scheffler
- Lauren Child
- Raymond Briggs
- Helen Oxenbury
So hurray for Quentin!! And, of course, hooray for all the rest of the UK’s great illustrators. Of course, we don’t pretend that the survey was terribly scientific: the result’s based what 40 of you said. Thanks very, very much to those of you who participated.
Wish us luck in Bologna! We are excited as very, very excited people about being back there and seeing so many friends and books. We also look forward to loads of pasta; prosecco at 2.00 am in the Pink Bar; looking at Furla bags (but not being able to afford them); and buying top agent Ed Victor mortadella (it’s a long story…) on the last day.
