Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Roger Hargreaves (9 May 1935 – 11 September 1988) was an English author and illustrator of children’s books. He created the Mr. Men series, Little Miss series and Timbuctoo series, intended for young readers. The simple and humorous stories, with bold, brightly coloured illustrations, have sales of over 85 million copies worldwide in 20 languages.
Life and Career
Roger Hargreaves was born on 9 May 1935, in Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, England. He attended local schools and later studied at the Leeds College of Art. After completing his studies, he worked as a copywriter and creative director at an advertising agency.
Hargreaves began his career as a children’s book author in 1971 when he created the character Mr. Tickle, a character who could stretch his arms to tickle people. The book was an instant success and led to the creation of the “Mr. Men” series, which included over 50 books featuring characters with names such as Mr. Happy, Mr. Grumpy, and Mr. Bump.
In 1981, Hargreaves created the “Little Miss” series, which included characters such as Little Miss Sunshine, Little Miss Chatterbox, and Little Miss Naughty. Like the “Mr. Men” series, the “Little Miss” books were hugely popular and have been translated into over 30 languages.
Hargreaves continued to write and illustrate books until his death in 1988. After his death, his son, Adam Hargreaves, took over the “Mr. Men” and “Little Miss” series and has continued to create new books in the series.
Roger Hargreaves passed away on 11 September 1988, at the age of 53, after suffering a sudden stroke.
Award and Legacy
In 1983, Hargreaves was awarded the British Book Award for Best Children’s Illustrated Book for his book “Mr. Small.”
Legacy: Roger Hargreaves’ legacy as an author and illustrator has endured long after his death. His “Mr. Men” and “Little Miss” characters are beloved by children and adults alike and have become a cultural phenomenon. The books have sold over 100 million copies worldwide and have been adapted into television shows, stage shows, and merchandise. Hargreaves’ influence can be seen in the works of contemporary children’s book authors and illustrators, who continue to create memorable characters that capture the imaginations of children.
On 9 May 2011, Google celebrated 76th Birthday of Roger Hargreaves with a doodle.
Famous quotes by Roger Hargreaves
Here are some quotes by Roger Hargreaves:
- “You didn’t know that there was such a thing as a Tickle, did you?”
- “Tickles are small and round and they have arms that stretch and stretch and stretch. Extraordinary long arms!”
- “Mr Tickle was fast asleep. He was having a dream. It must have been a very funny dream because it made him laugh out loud, and that woke him up.”
FAQ on Roger Hargreaves
Roger Hargreaves’ most famous book series are the “Mr. Men” and “Little Miss” series.
Roger Hargreaves wrote over 50 books in the “Mr. Men” series and over 30 books in the “Little Miss” series, as well as other standalone books.
In 1983, Roger Hargreaves won the British Book Award for Best Children’s Illustrated Book for his book “Mr. Small.”
Roger Hargreaves’ son, Adam Hargreaves, took over the “Mr. Men” and “Little Miss” series after his father’s death and has continued to create new books in the series.
Roger Hargreaves’ legacy as an author and illustrator has endured long after his death. His “Mr. Men” and “Little Miss” characters are beloved by children and adults alike and have become a cultural phenomenon. The books have sold over 100 million copies worldwide and have been adapted into television shows.