Gorilla

Story

Hannah loves gorillas. She wants to see one at the zoo, but her Dad is too busy to take her. She asks for one for her birthday, but is disappointed when she only gets a toy one. Just when she thinks that she’ll never get to see a real gorilla something incredible happens

Why we chose it

Anthony Browne is a highly acclaimed and well loved children’s author and illustrator. He was the Children’s Laureate 2009-11. Gorilla is one of his most popular books.

Where it came from

Anthony Browne is an English writer and illustrator who’s published 50 books. Browne was working as a greetings card designer and Gorilla was inspired by one of his card designs. Gorillas feature prominently in Browne’s work due to his own love of the creatures and despite him being bitten on the hand by one while working on a TV show!

Where it went next

Gorilla was Anthony Browne’s breakout work and earned him the Kate Greenaway Medal for distinguished illustration in a book for children. It has also earned The Kurt Maschler Award, the Boston Globe Horn Book Award and the Netherlands Silver Pencil Award.

Associated stories

Anthony Browne has written and illustrated over fifty books for children including Voices in the Park, Bear Goes to Town, Willy the Wimp, The Tunnel, Changes, Zoo, Little Beauty, Willy’s Stories, Hide and Seek and Little Frida.