Peter Brown author page

Peter Brown biography

Peter Brown is an American author and illustrator renowned for his contributions to children’s literature. Raised in Hopewell, New Jersey, he pursued illustration at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Following his graduation, Brown relocated to New York City in 2002 to immerse himself in the publishing industry. While initially working on animated television shows, he secured a book deal to write and illustrate his first picture book, Flight of the Dodo.

Brown has since authored and illustrated numerous acclaimed books. His works include The Curious Garden (2009), Children Make Terrible Pets (2010), Mr. Tiger Goes Wild (2013), and My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) (2014). In 2013, he received a Caldecott Honor for illustrating Creepy Carrots!, written by Aaron Reynolds. Collaborating again with Reynolds, Brown illustrated Creepy Pair of Underwear! (2017) and Creepy Crayon! (2022), both of which achieved bestseller status.

In 2016, Brown published his first middle-grade novel, The Wild Robot, which became a New York Times bestseller. The story follows a robot named Roz who becomes stranded on an island and learns to survive in the wild. The novel was followed by sequels The Wild Robot Escapes (2018) and The Wild Robot Protects (2023). An animated film adaptation of The Wild Robot was released by DreamWorks Animation in 2024.

Brown’s books have garnered numerous accolades, including two E.B. White Read Aloud Awards, a Horn Book Award, a Golden Kite Award, and multiple New York Times Best Illustrated Book Awards. Several of his titles have been selected as Junior Library Guild books, such as You Will Be My Friend! (2011), My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) (2014), The Wild Robot (2016), and The Wild Robot Escapes (2018).

In June 2025, Brown is set to release The Wild Robot on the Island, a picture book adaptation of his original novel, introducing younger readers to Roz’s story through detailed illustrations.