Anthony Browne's two parodies of Millet's The Gleaners. [Photo by Wang Kaihao/China Daily]

The exhibition, Anthony Browne's Happy Museum, is named after the first comprehensive collection of his work published in China thanks to Beijing-based China CITIC Press.The event displays 162 artworks by Browne. Of course, Willy - who Browne has said is a semi-autobiographical character - and other iconic gorilla characters created by the author, are the highlights.

"His mind is just boundless when creating these characters," Surina, from the Mongolian ethnic group, curator of the exhibition from China CITIC Press, tells China Daily. "His books usher us to shuttle between reality and imagination.

"It's fun reading the books, which are full of novelties," she continues. "For decades children have loved these surprises, because it is like hunting for treasure within the pages of the book."

Browne's strong social conscience has also influenced the creation of Willy the Wimp, and through the character, he shows his consideration for disadvantaged groups of people.