He has written more than 40 books, which often feature gorillas and chimpanzees, using surreal touches and ingenious visual puns.
Mr Browne was named as the Children's Laureate 2009-2011 on Tuesday (9 June). He succeeds Michael Rosen, author of We're Going on a Bear Hunt.
The role of Children's Laureate, sponsored by Waterstones, is awarded every two years to an eminent writer or illustrator of children's books to celebrate outstanding achievement.
One of Anthony Browne's best-loved characters is the chimp Willy, who has appeared in a series of books including Willy the Wimp and Willy and the Wizard.
Explaining his predilection with apes, Mr Browne has said, 'I am fascinated by them and the contrast they represent - their huge strength and gentleness. They're thought of as being very fierce creatures, and they're not.'
Mr Browne was born in Sheffield in 1946 and graduated with a graphic arts degree from Leeds Art College. He first worked as a medical illustrator. His first book, Through the Magic Mirror, was published in 1976. Gorilla, published in 1983, is now widely regarded as a classic. It won many awards including the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Kurt Maschler Emil Award, which Mr Browne won again in 1992 for Zoo. Mr Browne has also been Illustrator in Residence at the Tate gallery.