Satoshi Kitamura

Satoshi Kitamura (きたむら さとし) is a Japanese children's picture book author and illustrator.

Satoshi Kitamura was born in 1956 in Tokyo.

After dropping out of school to pursue art, Kitamura decided not to attempt a 10-year apprenticeship as a potter and instead worked as a graphic artist.

He was not trained as an artist, but at the age of 19 began to do commercial work as an illustrator for adverts and magazines.

He moved from Tokyo to London in 1979 where he worked mainly at designing greeting cards.

More than twenty publishers declined his work until Alison Sage the children's book editor introduced him to Klaus Flugge of Andersen Press.

Klaus asked him to illustrate Angry Arthur in 1981, after an exhibition of his work at the Neal Street Gallery in Covent Garden.

Since then he has published more than 20 of his own books, as well as illustrating many more.

He says that when he was young he read comics and admits that these have had a great influence on his style.

He refers to Kamishibai as an early influence, as well as the story of Heinrich Schliemann told by a primary school teacher.

His work is known for quirky perspectives, brilliant watercolours, attention to detail and unique characters and for regularly including animals or animal characters, most frequently cats.

Boots the cat is a recurring Satoshi Kitamura character featuring in two board books and The Comic Adventures of Boots, a picture book whose style is reminiscent of graphic novels and comics.

Regular collaborators include Hiawyn Oram, Roger McGough and John Agard.

In 1983, he received the Mother Goose Award for the Most Exciting Newcomer to British Illustration for Angry Arthur (written by Hiawyn Oram).

In 2000, his book, Sheep in Wolves' Clothing was made into the obscure HIT Entertainment series, Sheeep.

Satoshi Kitamura worked with Colin McNaughton to create Once Upon an Ordinary School Day, published in 2004, In 2000, Sheep in Wolves' Clothing was adapted into an animated series by HIT Entertainment (who would later acquire Pingu (originally made by The Pygos Group), Fireman Sam (originally made by Bumper Films) and Thomas & Friends (originally made by Britt Allcroft Productions)) that was animated by Grand Slamm Children's Films (who had also worked with HIT to animate Kipper, Percy the Park Keeper and Angelina Ballerina for CITV) and screened on CBBC, lasted 2 seasons, Starred Absolutely Fabulous actress, Julia Sawalha as the voice of the character, Georgina and silent character, Kid's various noises and also sold to overseas markets, including Australia.

He moved from Japan to London before returning to Tokyo in 2009.

In 2009 he left London and returned to Japan to care for his parents, but continues to travel and work for publishers across the globe.

Apart from writing and illustrating children's books, Satoshi has been commissioned for various projects including Tokyo Underground posters, signage at Birmingham Children's Hospital and designing stationery.

He also translates David McKee's Elmer the Patchwork Elephant series for the Japanese market.

‘The bold, bright, beautiful style of Satoshi Kitamura stands out like a beacon.’ (T.E.S.) ‘There could be no better way to start than with Kitamura’s wonderful illustrations.’ (Observer) ‘Satoshi Kitamura has produced some of the most delightful picture books of the last dozen years.’ (New York Times Book Review)