Celebrating Children's Authors and Illustrators Week

3 min read

Here at Country House Library, there are few things we enjoy more than a good story. And, with national Children's Authors and Illustrators Week just beginning, we knew that this would be our perfect opportunity to revisit some of the many tales by beloved authors that introduced so many of us to the joys of reading in the first place. From Peter Rabbit to Winnie the Pooh, keep reading if you're wanting to ignite some nostalgia with your childhood story-time favourites!

Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter was undoubtedly born to write the timeless tales of Peter Rabbit and his many lovable companions. A nature lover from her earliest years, growing up to become not only a gifted storyteller but a talented illustrator and passionate scientist too, Potter's love for the conservation of the natural world is reflected through her wonderfully memorable works. From Benjamin Bunny to Squirrel Nutkin, Potter's impressive twenty-three tales chronicling the adventures of her adorable critters surely still hold a place in many of our hearts.

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Enid Blyton

All you have to do is see the cover of one of Enid Blyton's many books to know exactly who wrote it. With a variety of literary creations under her belt, from the many adventures of the Famous Five and the Secret Seven to the children's classic character of Noddy, Blyton certainly played a significant role in shaping an entire generation's love for literature. And, while her many writings have been the subject of controversy and criticism since her passing, it's undeniable that (changing times aside) her works have had a positive effect on many who still fondly remember them.

Browse our second-hand Enid Blyton stories

Rudyard Kipling

Achieving a lasting legacy for one beloved children's story is a feat all on its own - achieving one for story after story of pure wonder is another entirely. Whether it's The Jungle Book and it's following tales, or the many Just So stories that first introduced you to Rudyard Kipling (including the likes of How the Leopard Got His Spots and How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin), I'm sure I don't need to remind you how unparalleled this man was in regard to the joyful fiction he left behind. Over a century has passed since many of his writings about talking animals and exotic landscapes were first released, and not one of them has lost even an ounce of their original magic.

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A. A. Milne

Though already a noted writer and playwright, the huge of success of Winnie the Pooh is unarguably what A. A. Milne is most remembered for - and rightly so! After all, few cartoon characters of fictional animals have touched the hearts of millions quite so much as this adorable, honey-loving, yellow-furred, t-shirt-wearing bear. Along with the likes of Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet, Winnie the Pooh is still one of the first literary legacies that comes to mind when talking about classic children's stories, even almost one hundred years on. And, with adaptations still gracing our screens today, Pooh seems to be (much to our joy) sticking around for many generations yet to come!

Browse our vintage A. A. Milne books

Jayne Fisher

Of all the names on this list, Jayne Fisher may be the one you're least familiar with - but that doesn't take away from her incredible achievements as a young writer and illustrator. At the age of only nine (yes, nine!) she became Ladybird Books' youngest author with her beloved Garden Gang series, which she both wrote and illustrated. Selling over 8 millions copies, these beloved cartoon fruits and vegetables certainly made an impact, and we can't help but think of Fisher fondly for showing us just how brilliant the minds of children can be. And what better way to finish this children's authors and illustrators list than with an actual child author and illustrator!