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Author and illustrator Anthony Browne was announced as the Children's Laureate today, and described how picture books helped families to bond.
The title is awarded once every two years to celebrate outstanding achievement in children's books, and previous holders of the job include Quentin Blake, Jacqueline Wilson and most recently Michael Rosen.
Andrew Motion, chairman of the selection committee, presented the new "champion for children's literature", who has nearly 40 titles to his name, with the Children's Laureate Medal and a bursary of £15,000.
Browne, 62, described the award as an "honour" and said he wanted to focus particularly on the appreciation of illustrated books.
He said: "Picture books are special - they're not like anything else. Sometimes I hear parents encouraging their children to read what they call proper books at an earlier and earlier age.
"This makes me sad, as picture books are perfect for sharing, and not just with the youngest children.
"As a father, I understand the importance of the bond that develops through reading picture books with your child. We have in Britain some of the best picture-book makers in the world, and I want to see their books appreciated for what they are - works of art."
Sheffield-born Browne had his first book, Through The Magic Mirror, published in 1976. Gorilla, published in 1983, won the Kate Greenaway Medal. One of his best-loved characters is a chimp called Willy, who appeared in Willy The Wimp, Willy The Champ, Willy And Hugh and Willy The Wizard.
In 2000 Browne, who lives in Kent, received the Hans Christian Andersen Award for his services to children's literature - the first British illustrator to win the prize since 1956. More recently he was illustrator in residence at the Tate.
Nominations for Children's Laureate are considered from more than 20 organisations involved in children's books across the UK. Children can also suggest names. It is funded by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and run by Booktrust.
Motion, who is also chairman of the MLA, said Browne "influenced an entire generation of illustrators".
Viv Bird, chief executive of Booktrust, said: "The role of the Children's Laureate is that of champion for children's literature. Booktrust welcomes Anthony's appointment wholeheartedly."
