Appearing:
Gateshead (Nov 10th)
Guy Parker-Rees was born in Zimbabwe and came to England when he was three. He gained a degree in English and Philosophy at York University before going on to found "Art Attack", a mural painting co-operative running workshops and play schemes. His next career move was to work as an Art and Crafts teacher at a Cardiff Hospital, working with people with learning difficulties. He then went on to set up an Art Therapy Department, for people with mental health problems.
Since 1989, Guy has been a freelance illustrator, working mainly on children's books - he has illustrated over forty to date. His first book, No Such Thing As Monsters, was published by David Bennett Books in 1993. Since then he has written and illustrated books for Oxford University Press, Hodder Children's Books, Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Egmont, Random House, Walker Books, Heinemann, Ladybird and Orchard Books.
The illustrations in Giraffes Can't Dance, (written by Giles Andreae) touched many people and have made Gerald the giraffe a real hero. Giraffes Can't Dance was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards in 2002. The new title from this award winning team is an uplifting tale of a chimpanzee who spreads seeds of happiness. Guy's entertaining illustrations bring The Chimpanzees of Happy Town to life.
Guy has also illustrated Down by the Cool of Pool and, more recently, Come to Tea on Planet Zum-Zee (written by Tony Mitton) and K is for Kissing a Cool Kangeroo (written by Giles Andreae). Look out for All Afloat on Noah's Boat publishing in September 2006.
Guy Parker-Rees lives and works in Brighton.
Recommended Reads
All Afloat on Noah's Boat
Orchard Books
1846162068
Bumpus Jumpus Dinosaurumpus
Orchard Books
1846162718
Chimpanzees of Happytown
Orchard Books
1843628783
Publisher
Orchard Books