Gregory Rogers facts for kids

Gregory John Rogers (born June 19, 1957 – died May 1, 2013) was a talented Australian artist and writer. He was famous for creating amazing picture books for children. He made history by being the first Australian to win the Kate Greenaway Medal. This special award is given in the U.K. for the best children's book illustrations of the year.

He won the medal for a book called Way Home, written by Libby Hathorn. It was published in 1994. The story is about a boy in a city who finds his way home at night and adopts a stray cat. Some people thought the book was a bit "tough" or that it made the idea of being homeless seem too romantic. But it was still a very important book!

Life and Career

Gregory Rogers was born in Brisbane, Queensland, and grew up in a place called Coorparoo. He studied fine art at the Queensland College of Art. Before becoming a full-time illustrator in 1987, he worked as a graphic designer.

Books He Illustrated

Rogers illustrated many books for other authors. Some of his well-known works include:

• Aunty Mary's Dead Goat by Margaret Card
• The Postman Race by Ian Trevaskis
• Tracks and Lucy's Bay by Gary Crew
• Way Home by Libby Hathorn
• Running Away From Home by Nigel Gray

Besides the Greenaway Medal, Way Home also won a Parents' Choice Award in the U.S. It was also considered for the APBA book design awards.

His Own Stories

Gregory Rogers also wrote and illustrated his own books. His most famous work is a series of "wordless picture books." These books tell a story mainly through pictures, with very few or no words.

His first book that he both wrote and illustrated was The Boy, the Bear, the Baron, and the Bard. It was published in 2004. This book is about a boy who follows a soccer ball from the modern Shakespeare's Globe theater to the original Globe Theatre in Shakespeare's London. It's like a trip back in time!

This book was followed by Midsummer Knight (2006) and The Hero of Little Street (2009). These three books together form a popular series.

Hobbies and Interests

Gregory Rogers loved music and played several old musical instruments. These included the cornetto, recorder, and the baroque guitar. He enjoyed playing music from the 16th and 17th centuries. He also collected many things, like CDs, antiques, books, and Art Deco items.

Sadly, Gregory Rogers passed away on May 1, 2013, in Brisbane.

Books

Solo Works

These are the books that Gregory Rogers both wrote and illustrated:

• The Boy, The Bear, The Baron, The Bard (Crows Nest, New South Wales: Allen & Unwin, 2004)
• Midsummer Knight (2006)
• The Hero of Little Street (2009)
• Omar the Strongman (Scholastic Press, 2013)

As Illustrator

Gregory Rogers illustrated these books for other authors: