Voices in the Park

Story

Four people go on a walk to the park. They all go on the same walk but they experience it very differently. This story addresses loneliness, friendship and the difference of experiences through a normal walk in the park.

Why we chose it

The four different voices present very different perspectives. The illustrations are full of surreal detail. This is a book to read again and again to find something new in each reading and a book that can prompt conversations about emotions, different points of view and prejudice.

Anthony Browne is a highly acclaimed and multi award winning author and illustrator whose books are known and enjoyed for their surreal illustrations and thought-provoking themes.

Where it came from

Voices in the Park comes from another book Anthony Browne wrote 20 years before called A Walk in the Park. The first story was written with the voice of a narrator, so 20 years on he wanted to go back to the same idea but tell the story from the point of view of each of the main characters.

Where it went next

This story won the Kurt Maschler Award in 1998, which awards ‘works of imagination for children’.

Kingston University have made an interactive version of Voices in the Park with animations, sound effects and a map to provide support and guidance for both teacher and pupils.

Anthony Browne was Children’s Laureate between 2009-2011.

Associated stories

Anthony Browne has written and illustrated many more children’s picture books including Willy the Wimp, The Tunnel, Zoo, Changes and Gorilla.