Michael Foreman author page

Michael Foreman biography

Michael Foreman (born 21 March 1938) is a British author and illustrator renowned for his extensive contributions to children’s literature. With a career spanning over six decades, he has written and illustrated numerous books, as well as collaborated with prominent authors, earning him a distinguished place in the field.

Foreman was born in Pakefield, Suffolk, and studied at Lowestoft School of Art before attending the Royal College of Art in London, where he obtained a first-class honours degree. During his time at the Royal College, he won a scholarship that allowed him to travel to the United States, broadening his artistic horizons. His early career included work as an art director for publications such as Playboy and King magazines, and he also served as Art Editor for the literary journal Ambit for over four decades.

His debut children’s book, The General (1961), marked the beginning of a prolific output that includes both self-authored titles and illustrations for works by authors like Michael Morpurgo, Terry Jones, and Charles Dickens. Notable among his own works are War Boy and War Game, which draw upon his experiences growing up during the Second World War. These titles have received critical acclaim, with War Boy winning the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1989 and War Game earning the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize in 1993.

Foreman’s illustration style is characterised by luminous watercolours and a commitment to capturing the emotional essence of a story. He believes in creating believable worlds through his art, aiming to evoke genuine emotional responses from readers. His work often explores themes such as war, peace, and environmental conservation, as seen in books like Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish (1972), which is noted for its environmental message.

Throughout his career, Foreman has received numerous accolades, including two Kate Greenaway Medals (1982 and 1989) and multiple nominations for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. In recognition of his services to literature, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours.