Rod Campbell author page

Rod Campbell biography

Rod Campbell is a British author and illustrator, best known for his work in children’s literature. He is the creator of the classic lift-the-flap book Dear Zoo, first published by Macmillan in 1982. Campbell’s books are recognised for their interactive elements and simple, repetitive text, designed for very young children.

He has written and illustrated numerous titles, including Oh Dear! (1983), Farm 123 (1984), ABC Zoo (1987), and Noisy Farm (1991). His works have been published by Macmillan Children’s Books and Campbell Books, the latter of which he co-founded in 1987. Campbell Books became known for producing innovative novelty books for babies and toddlers.

Dear Zoo has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into multiple languages. The book celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2012 with special editions and events. Campbell’s books have received several industry recognitions, including the BookTrust Early Years Award for Dear Zoo in 2006.

Rod Campbell’s most recent titles include Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book (40th Anniversary Edition, 2022) and Look After Us (2021). His books remain widely used in early years education and continue to be published internationally.