Babette Cole

Babette Cole, born on Jersey in the Channel Islands on September 10, 1950, was an English writer and illustrator primarily known for her extensive work in children's literature. She received a first-class BA Honours degree from Canterbury College of Art. Before her career in books, Cole contributed to BBC children's television programs such as 'Bagpuss' and 'Jackanory'.

Cole authored and illustrated over 150 picture books, many of which featured a distinctive style of earthy, often humorous, comedy. Her best-selling book, 'Doctor Dog', was adapted into a successful animated series. Her other notable works include titles like 'The Smelly Book', 'The Hairy Book', 'The Slimy Book', and 'The Silly Book'. She dedicated her time to writing, visiting schools, and traveling. Cole passed away on January 15, 2017, at the age of 66, following a brief illness.

Babette Cole established herself as a prolific creator of children's literature, producing more than 150 picture books throughout her career. Her artistic and writing style was characterized by a strong sense of humor, often leaning towards the 'earthy' and comical, as evidenced by titles such as 'The Smelly Book', 'The Hairy Book', 'The Slimy Book', and 'The Silly Book'. This approach resonated with young readers, making her a popular figure in children's publishing. Her success was further highlighted by the adaptation of her best-selling book, 'Doctor Dog', into a children's cartoon series. Beyond her books, Cole also contributed to early childhood television programming, working on well-known BBC shows like 'Bagpuss' and 'Jackanory'.

Throughout her career, Babette Cole received significant recognition for her contributions to children's literature. She was awarded the Kurt Maschler Award (Emil) for 'Drop Dead', a book where her text and illustrations were recognized for their integrated enhancement of each other. This award specifically celebrated works of imagination for children where text and illustration worked in harmony. Additionally, Cole was a commended runner-up for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal on two occasions for her books 'Princess Smartypants' and 'Prince Cinders'. Her other accolades include 'Children's Picture Book of the Year' for 'Nungu and the Hippopotamus', among several other awards from various institutions, including the British Library Association and the Child Study Association of America.