The official website of the children’s author and illustrator
The official website of the children’s
author and illustrator
Drift into the clouds with a tale of airy abandon, where little Albert, rescued by the Cloud Children, jumps, swims, paints, races, and walks …in the slipstream of an aeroplane!
John’s Cloudland was published in 1996 by Jonathan Cape. The book tells the story of Albert who after falling off a cliff ends up spending time in the cloud world before floating back down to earth to be reunited with his parents. It was a very original book at the time, both technically and in terms of the theme, combining photography of clouds with cut-out illustrated figures who populate the cloud-filled universe. John says of creating the book, “On various flights by aeroplanes, I took photographs of that moment when the plane breaks through the clouds. This puzzled other passengers who looked through their windows wondering what I could see.” There is something other-worldly, playful and surreal and yet comforting about the cloud children.
John’s Cloudland was published in 1996 by Jonathan Cape. The book tells the story of Albert who after falling off a cliff ends up spending time in the cloud world before floating back down to earth to be reunited with his parents. It was a very original book at the time, both technically and in terms of the theme, combining photography of clouds with cut-out illustrated figures who populate the cloud-filled universe. John says of creating the book, “On various flights by aeroplanes, I took photographs of that moment when the plane breaks through the clouds. This puzzled other passengers who looked through their windows wondering what I could see.” There is something other-worldly, playful and surreal and yet comforting about the cloud children.
Chitty turned 60 last year. At the time we made quite a fuss with a relaunch of the original book with all of John’s illustrations plus a big exhibition at NHS Mottisfont. Take a look here
Illustrator Lauren Sharples spends some time with a favourite illustration from John Burningham’s Mr Gumpy’s Outing.
A book for adults exploring that quintissentially English subject, ‘The Season’
The Estate of John Burningham has released for sale high quality giclee reproductions of 7 illustrations on a limited print run. Each is signed, numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Listen to extracts from ‘Avocado Baby’, ‘Would You Rather’ and Husherbye.
A brand new audio collection featuring ten of John Burningham’s classic stories. Read by Alexander Armstrong.
Celebrate the power of babies (and avocados!) with Avocado Baby, and join Borka the goose on her adventures, amongst so much more in these beloved stories.”
This collection includes: ‘Would You Rather’, ‘Oi Get Off Our Train’, ‘Motor Miles’, ‘The Shopping Basket’, ‘Borka’, ‘Husherbye’, ‘Courtney’, ‘Avocado Baby’, ‘Aldo’ and ‘More Would You Rather’
Download this specially commissioned resource to entertain and inform children of all ages.
We also have downloadable resources for: Grandpa, Oi Get off Our Train, Mr Gumpy’s Motor Car and Borka
