Anthony Browne launches The Shape Game in aid of the Rainbow Trust

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Authors and illustrators including Shirley Hughes, Nick Sharratt, Lucy Cousins, Emily Gravett and Andy Stanton joined Children’s Laureate Anthony Browne at Waterstone’s Piccadilly on 26th July to launch The Shape Game, a drawing game devised by Browne to raise money for the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.

Childhood game inspires Laureate

The Shape Game was inspired by a childhood game Anthony Browne played with his brother, who was also at the launch:  Anthony Browne drew a random shape and invited artists, writers, illustrators and celebrities to transform it into something recognisable.  45 accepted the challenge and contributors include Axel Scheffler, Jacqueline Wilson, Harry Hill, Emma Thompson and Andrew Motion as well as Blakes Quentin and Peter.

Bid for original artwork

Members of the public can bid for the original artwork from the project at an online auction on now at www.childrenslaureate.org.uk .  Walker Books have published an accompanying book Play the Shape Game also on sale now for £5.99.  Proceeds from the auction and the book go to the Rainbow Trust.  The charity provides emotional and practical support to families when their child has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Quentin Blake, who turned the shape into a bird, and was the first contributor to sign up for the project, said, “Not only was it huge fun thinking about how I’d like to customise Anthony’s shape, but encouraging creativity is something I feel very strongly about.