Chris Riddell (b. 1962) is a British illustrator, author, and political cartoonist.
He was born in Cape Town, South Africa, into a family of an Anglican clergyman, and moved to England as a child. He studied illustration at the Brighton Polytechnic, where he developed his distinctive drawing style.
Riddell is known for his highly detailed pen-and-ink illustrations, often filled with small visual jokes and narrative details. Among the artists who influenced him are John Tenniel and William Heath Robinson.
He has illustrated and written numerous children’s books, including collaborations with Paul Stewart (the Edge Chronicles series) and Neil Gaiman (Coraline, The Graveyard Book editions, among others). He is also the creator of his own series, such as Ottoline and Goth Girl.
Alongside his book work, Riddell is a well-known political cartoonist for The Observer. From 2015 to 2017, he served as the UK Children’s Laureate, promoting reading and illustration. He is a multiple award winner, including the Costa Book Award (Children’s Book category) and the Kate Greenaway Medal (now the Carnegie Medal for Illustration).
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