Biography
A comic book artist who has worked at some of the most iconic institutions in the industry, Jamie Smart is best known for his Bunny Vs Monkey series. Having worked for legendary studios Disney and the Cartoon Network, as well as for comic institutions Beano and Dandy, in 2003 Smart published the darkly humorous comic book series Bear, which followed the antics of stuffed animal Bear and sadistic housecat Looshkin. These characters would later be reinvented in the children’s comic book series Looshkin; with the dark humour removed, this is a wacky, imaginative children’s series full of slapstick humour, silliness and surreal, chaotic adventures.
In 2019, the first in the Flember series of books was published. A madcap adventure series featuring a boy called Dev, this fast-paced, riotous series explores issues of growing up, such as taking responsibility for your mistakes and displaying empathy, in a wildly inventive and entertaining manner. Max & Chaffy, a brightly coloured interactive series for younger readers, was published in 2023 and explores the value of friendship and the importance of loyalty.
Bunny Vs Monkey, arguably Smart’s most famous creation, was published in 2020. The first in an eponymous series, it follows the chaos that ensues when Bunny and his friends have to deal with Monkey after his rocket crash lands in their tranquil forest.
Surreal and zany, roaringly funny, often touching and always offbeat, Jamie Smart’s children’s picture books offer a unique style that appeals to children’s wild and wacky side. Awarded the Illustrator Of The Year Award and Children’s Illustrated Book Of The Year in 2024 at the British Book Awards, his bonkers creations can be enjoyed by children of all ages as they explore their own creativity.
