Illustrating Horrible Histories with Martin Brown

Martin Brown Ruthless Romans by Martin Brown

National Non-Fiction Day

On 3rd November 2011 Scottish Book Trust and Scholastic Books celebrated National Non Fiction Day by bringing award-winning illustrator Martin Brown to The Royal Society of Edinburgh to talk to pupils from 10 different schools.

Martin Brown illustrates the Horrible Histories series of books that revolutionised non-fiction and history books for children. Terry Deary’s wonderful and vivid re-tellings of history (with all the gory bits left in) are accentuated by Martin’s incredibly funny line drawings and cartoons.

Martin talked to pupils about how he and Terry create the books, how he draws his images he also drew characters, scenes and jokes from his favourite Horrible Histories books as well as getting pupils to use their imagination and design characters of their own.

Terrible Trenches by Martin Brown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Biography

Martin Brown at work

Martin Brown was born in Melbourne, on the proper side of the world. Ever since he can remember he’s been drawing. His dad used to bring back huge sheets of paper from work and Martin would fill them with doodles and little figures. Then, quite suddenly, with food and water, he grew up, moved to the UK and found work doing what he’s always wanted to do: drawing doodles and little figures.

You can find out more about Martin Brown the amazing Horrible Histories website: http://horrible-histories.co.uk/

 

Watch Highlights from Martin Brown's National Non Fiction Day Event

Click on the button to watch highlights from Martin Brown's brilliant event

 

 

 

Event Pictures

Martin Brown Drawing Martin Brown with King Narmer!
'Get a shift on' A pupil reading 'The Angry Aztecs'
Martin signing books Martin talking to pupils after the event
Happy pupils talking to Martin Pupils show off their Horrible Histories

 

Pupil Feedback

Jamie, 10, Community School of Auchterarder Cameron, 8, Stockbridge Primary School
Eildh, 8, St. Margaret's Primary School Ross, 9, Community School of Auchterarder
Callum, 9, Community School of Auchterarder Lily, 8, Stockbridge Primary School
Hannah, 8, Stockbridge Primary School Callum, 7, Inverkeithing Primary School

 

 

Martin Brown is funny, he asked for lots of volunteers. He answered questions and gave out questions. He was nice, funny, friendly and all that sort of stuff. Sofia, 7 Stockbridge Primary School

 

Last Thursday our class went to see martin Brown. I really enjoyed the part when martin asked us for ideas to complete the faces. My favourite drawing was the alien dog. I found out if you put your mind to it you can draw anything. And I remember what Martin said, surround yourself with pictures. I really enjoyed the visit I hope we can come again. Lewis, 10, Craigentinny Primary School

 

My favourite drawing was the horse with the man falling in the poo. It was really funny I really like the random pictures as well. It was also very interesting to hear all the facts. It was funny when Martin did the time line. Laura, 10, Craigentinny Primary School


I really enjoyed the Martin Brown event last Thursday. My favourite part was when we got to give ideas to put on the faces. It was funny when Martin Brown pulled out the big pencil. Josh, 10, Craigentinny Primary School


I really enjoyed when martin drew the ugly pictures. I liked when he showed us the big pencil, that was funny. I liked when martin threw a spear at a volunteer. I think it was fantastic. Ben, 10, Craigentinny Primary School


I enjoyed finding out how Martin drew because I like drawing too. I might try how Martin does it. Sean, 10, Craigentinny Primary School


I loved it when he drew the man fell off his horse into the horse poo. Lucy, 8, Inverkeithing Primary School

 

Martin Brown is very good at drawing. I liked Martin Brown's speech because it was interesting. When he was little he always doodling even when he was supposed to be in the bath. Josh, 8, Inverkeithing Primary School


It was very funny martin Brown you rule yey!! Aidan, 9, St. Margaret's Primary School

 

Martin Brown taught us that you don't even need a perfect circle to draw something well. Emily, 9, St. Margaret's Primary School

When we went to see Martin Brown it was the best part of my day!! He is the funniest illustrator I have ever seen. My favourite picture he drew was the picture where he drew a Tudor falling off his horse into horse poo. Niamh, 9, St.Margaret's Primary School

 

I loved when I saw Martin Brown he was very funny I really like his books I have a lot of Martin Brown's books. He did a lot of silly pictures Martin Brown is a very good drawer. I really enjoyed meeting Martin Brown, it was really fun. Libby, 8, Aberuthven primary School

 

Teacher Feedback

The event was fantastic. Martin Brown was an excellent speaker and the children loved the whole thing. Claire Croucher, St. Margaret's RC Primary School

 

The event was well organised and the illustrator kept the pupils interested. Linda Wilson, St. John Vianney Primary School

 

Well organised, fun and informative. Jackie Farrell, Community School of Auchterarder

 

Excellent - Martin brown was very, very good - held the children's attention. Domestic arrangements were also excellent - we were made very welcome despite the fact that we were late due to traffic congestion. Penny Philpott, Community School of Auchterarder

 

It was very interesting and had the children enthralled. Mhari-Louise Teden, St. Mary's RC Primary School

 

Well -organised and well-run - we were met at the door and given an update on what was going to happen throughout the event including the book signing. Martin Brown was an excellent speaker who really involved the children and managed to keep quite a wide age range of children enthralled. Michelle Fearnley, Inverkeithing Primary School

 

It was an excellent event. Martin Brown is a very engaging speaker and did a great job to involve the pupils. Nicky MacDonald, Parsons Green Primary School

 

A very enjoyable session. Was interesting to hear how an illustrator goes about drawing - a good tip surrounding yourself with images! Linda Grieve, Craigentinny Primary School