“There is a misconception that picture books for children should be packed with colour and decoration on every page. This is like saying a successful piece of music should be crammed full of loud notes. It’s the juxtaposition and build-up of sound that makes music interesting.”

John Burningham talking
about the Shirley books
Take another look at a favourite illustration from John Burningham's Mr Gumpy's Outing, with illustrator Lauren Sharples
Inspired by John’s own travels around Europe, Trubloff is the story of a musical mouse who lives with his family behind the panelling of the
Illustrator Petr Horacek takes a closer look at a favourite illustration from John Burningham's Trubloff - The Mouse who wanted to play the Balalaika
Steve Antony tells us about finding an original copy of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and illustrating a new version for a new generation
This latest edition of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang marks the 60th anniversary of it's arrival in 1965.
Professor Martin Salisbury revisits a favourite John Burningham illustration
Nicolette Jones explores the illustrations for ’spring’ from John’s Seasons.
Author/illustrator Lauren Child revisits a favourite John Burningham illustration
Over the summer of 2024, National trust Mottisfont hosted Bedtime Stories, an exhibition of John Burningham's work