The History of Walker Books
Once upon a time...
Walker Books was founded in 1978 by Sebastian Walker. He assembled a small but brilliant team, starting with art director Amelia Edwards, often considered to be the heart of Walker Books. Legend has it that Sebastian simply called her up and said: “I want to do children’s books for the rest of my life. Would you like to join me?”
Next came children’s book editor Wendy Boase: “I came to meet Amelia and Sebastian at this squalid pub with stained red upholstery. I thought the whole project was terribly exciting.”
Together, in the spare room of Sebastian’s home in North London, the trio began making books that stood out: their vibrant colour, quality and charm captivated buyers and readers alike.
It’s little wonder the iconic author-illustrator Maurice Sendak described Sebastian as “a kind of Prospero”. Our beloved founder had a magical knack for foreseeing trends, conjuring up innovative publishing strategies and enchanting authors and illustrators.
Sebastian tragically died of AIDS in 1991. When he discovered he was HIV-positive, he began working tirelessly to ensure the future of Walker Books and created a trust for his employees, illustrators and authors. There are so many dazzling anecdotes, recollections and tributes Sebastian Walker and his legacy that we could include, but perhaps it’s best to simply let you glimpse the wizard behind the curtain. One of the final books Sebastian worked on was I Saw Esau, to which he contributed a rhyme he'd come up with as a child to make his sister laugh:
Je suis –
I am
A pot of jam.
Tu es –
Thou art
A juicy fart.
In 2011 we launched the Sebastian Walker Award for the promising new illustration graduate.
About the Walker Books bear...
The exceptionally talented Helen Oxenbury was one of the first people Sebastian Walker commissioned. Over the years, Helen has worked on incredible books (not least the hugely successful We’re Going on a Bear Hunt) but of all her creations, our favourite has to be the Walker Books bear.
As our legendary publisher Deirdre McDermott describes it: “Helen initially drew the bear in fine black line, soon afterwards re-imagining it in assured pencil and effortless watercolour. The Walker Bear is always in motion, right foot first, perpetually carrying the flickering candle in its green candlestick respected the world over as a symbol of publishing quality and distinction. That confident and happy brown bear, with the warm glow of a bright candle’s flame on its nose and tummy, has made a mark, literally, on every single book that we publish. Helen’s beautiful, iconic bear has illuminated the creative path for the thousands of stories that we've published, and shines a way forwards for the many, many more to come.”
Giving Back
You do not write your life with words...You write it with actions.
― Patrick Ness, A Monster Calls
Fundraising
As a company, Walker Books donates thousands of books throughout the year to schools and charities to improve access to reading for children of ages. We have also raised funds for many causes over the years and collaborated with some truly wonderful charities, such as...
National Literacy Trust An independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. They support those trying to improve their literacy through projects, networks and communities across the UK. Walker has worked with NLT many times and provides resources, goodies, donations and sporty staff members for the annual Where’s Wally? 5K fun run!
BookTrust The UK's largest children's reading charity, BookTrust has as its mission to get children from low-income and vulnerable family backgrounds reading regularly and by choice. Over the years, Walker Books has provided multiple resources and produced specialized, affordable version of books for BookTrust bundles, packs and initiatives.
Empathy Lab A remarkable charity founded on two key areas of scientific research – that empathy is a learnable skill and that reading builds real-life empathy.
The Sebastian Walker Award This prize for illustration runs in memory of our founder, and Walker sponsors and judges the prize each year in collaboration with Anglia Ruskin’s MA Children’s Book Illustration. You can learn more about the award here.
Volunteering Scheme
Walker Books staff can apply for two days’ worth of paid leave a year for the purposes of volunteering for charities or organizations important to them.
Reading Scheme
Walker Books has partnered with a local primary school in Vauxhall. During term time, employees have the option to dedicate a lunch time to supporting children with their reading.
Other fundraising
There are other fundraising opportunities throughout the year. For example, many members of staff have donned their best (and worst) jumpers for Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day.
Our Team
Walker Books is based in Vauxhall, London. Everyone here is passionate about creating quality, considered stories; it’s at the heart of everything we do. Whether a book is exploring important, sensitive subjects or is jam-packed full of daft jokes, our team is committed to making sure each and every single detail – down to the last stroke of ink – is just right.
[Walker Books] gave me time to dream... When the dreams went on paper, they were subject to an editorial and design process where the blending of words and images to create the perfect picture books took priority over everything else.
― Martin Waddell, author of the award-winning Owl Babies
If you’re interested in joining our team, you can learn about any upcoming job opportunities here.
Sustainability
We’re lucky enough to have published some fantastic books about helping our planet:
Making conscious choices and promoting ecological practices is an important part of Walker Books ethos. Our amazing in-house production team leads the way: they are constantly researching and sourcing new ways to reduce waste, ensure we avoid green-washing shortcuts and work sustainably. We also support and encourage our suppliers to operate in accordance with our high standards.
FOREST SOURCING
Since 2006, Walker Books has participated in the multi-publisher initiative Forest Sourcing (previously known as The Publishers’ database of Responsible Environmental Paper Sourcing [PREPS]). We collectively engage with over 400 papermills around the world on sustainability issues based on the sourcing of tree fibres that are turned into paper, as well as the paper-making process itself.
Origins of tree fibres used in paper and board are collected and analysed, helping publishers identify responsible forest sources for their books. Mills are engaged with on their fibre sourcing policies, due diligence process, and commitments. The data collected helps members understand environmental performance and encourages environmental excellence through Environmental Questionnaires. Current and future water risk based on the mills’ location is also analysed.
Further information about Forest Sourcing can be found here.
FSC
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization founded in 1990 to promote and recognize good and sustainable forestry practices around the world. At Walker we insist that all our suppliers hold the FSC Chain of Custody.
For more information visit www.fsc.org
LABOUR & ENVIRONMENT WORKSTREAM
Walker also belongs to the Labour & Environment workstream (previously known as Prelims). Collectively, this group of publishers:
- Gather data on suppliers through environmental and labour self-assessment questionnaires.
- Set expectations through an industry Code of Conduct.
- Facilitate audit sharing and pull out any non-conformances into an audit dashboard, with the option for suppliers to respond with details on how they are closing each issue.
- Collaborate on topics that are important for the industry, such as working hours and social insurance, health and safety, and responsible recruitment practices.
Further information can be found here.
PRODUCT TESTING
Our products conform to British and European toy safety legislation and where relevant, carry safety warnings to guide consumers choosing books and toys for small children. Relevant products are put through many rigorous safety testing procedures, including tests for toxicity, choking hazards, and general safety. They carry a CE and a UKCA marking, showing that these products meet the requirements of European Commission and UK legislation.