Maxwell A. Oginni author page

Maxwell A. Oginni biography

Maxwell A. Oginni, whose full name is Maxwell Afolabi Oginni, is a Nigerian-born animator and children’s book illustrator. Classically trained in 2D character animation, he has worked as a director, animator, illustrator and story artist across television, film, advertising and music videos. His animation credits include Mr Bean: The Animated Series, Hey Duggee, School of Roars, JoJo & Gran Gran and Sony Pictures Animation’s Young Love. He is represented by United Agents.

Oginni illustrated My Rice is Best, a picture book written by Selina Brown and published by Puffin in May 2025. The story follows Shane, who believes his family’s rice and peas is the best dish in the world, until his schoolfriend Yinka challenges him with her favourite jollof rice. The book explores friendship, family food traditions and cultural identity through the children’s disagreement. It was shortlisted for the Illustrated Books category of the 2026 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the Children’s Non-Fiction and Illustrated category of the British Book Awards 2026. Oginni’s illustrations were also recognised when the book was longlisted for the 2026 Klaus Flugge Prize.

Oginni has continued his publishing collaboration with Selina Brown, illustrating This Is My Music, selected for the World Book Day 2027 £1 book collection. The story features Shane, Yinka and their classmates welcoming a new pupil during World Music Morning. Published by Puffin, the 16-page edition is scheduled for release on 11 February 2027.