Babette Cole author page

Babette Cole biography

Babette Cole was a British children’s author and illustrator. She studied at Canterbury College of Art, graduating in 1973. Cole wrote and illustrated over 70 picture books, with her work published by major publishers including Puffin Books and Random House. Her notable titles include Princess Smartypants (1986), Prince Cinders (1987), and Mummy Laid an Egg! (1993). Mummy Laid an Egg! won the British Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year in 1994.

Cole also contributed illustrations to the BBC children’s television programme Jackanory and worked on the animation series Bagpuss. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and are widely held in libraries. In 1996, Princess Smartypants was shortlisted for the Kurt Maschler Award. Cole’s work is recognised for its distinctive illustration style and humour. Her final book, The Trouble with Dad, was published in 2017.