Although Hargreaves wrote many other children's stories-including the Timbuctoo series of 25 books, John Mouse and the Roundy and Squarey books-he is best known for his 46 Mr. In 1981, the Little Miss series of books was launched and in 1983, it also was made into a television series narrated by Pauline Collins and her husband, John Alderton. A second series the following year saw newer titles transmitted in double bill format with those from the first series.īy 1976, Hargreaves had quit his day job. In 1974, the books spawned a BBC animated television series narrated by Arthur Lowe. Initially, he had difficulty finding a publisher, but once he did, the books became an instant success, selling over one million copies within three years.

Īlso, in 1971 while working as the creative director at a London firm, he wrote the first Mr. Originally wanting to become a cartoonist, in 1971, he created a successful series of characters used to promote Askit Powders on television (these were used from 1971 to 1994). By 1968, he was creative director of the Foote, Cone & Belding agency where he wrote slogans such as 'Emigrate to Canada Dry (for the sake of your Scotch)'. He then spent a year working in his father's laundry and dry-cleaning business before gaining employment in advertising. Hargreaves attended Sowerby Bridge Grammar School (now Trinity Academy Sowerby Bridge). He grew up at 703 Halifax Road, Hartshead Moor, Cleckheaton, outside of which there now is a commemorative plaque. Birth Ĭharles Roger Hargreaves was born in a private hospital at 201 Bath Road, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, England, on to Alfred Reginald Hargreaves and Ethel Mary Hargreaves. The simple and humorous stories, with bold, brightly coloured illustrations, have sales of over 85 million copies worldwide in 20 languages. Men series, Little Miss series and Timbuctoo series, intended for young readers. Messy's books are also included in this vast box set, which is just perfect for adults and children to read and share together.Charles Roger Hargreaves ( – 11 September 1988) was an English author and illustrator of children's books. Men stories fun and appealing to return to again and again.įamiliar characters like Mr. The bold, bright illustrations and simple storylines make the Mr. With a mammoth 50 books to enjoy and a simply gorgeous display case, this collection will keep young readers entertained for a long, long time to come. Bump and friends must rank as some of the most famous characters in children's books - and this beautiful box set features them all! Men have been an enduring favourite with children (and parents!) of all ages. Men: The Complete Collection (50 books)Įver since the first books were published in 1971, Roger Hargreaves' Mr.

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