Historical Figure
Roger Hargreaves
1935–1988
British author and illustrator (1935–1988)
Talk to Roger Hargreaves
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Roger Hargreaves was a British cartoonist, illustrator and writer 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 more than 85 million copies worldwide in 20 languages.
Timeline
The story of Roger Hargreaves, told in moments.
Created Mr. Tickle, the first Mr. Men book. The idea came when his son Adam asked, "What does a tickle look like?" Hargreaves drew a round orange figure with long arms. Publishers rejected it repeatedly before one said yes.
The Mr. Men books spawned a BBC animated series narrated by Arthur Lowe. Within three years of publication, the series had sold over a million copies.
Launched the Little Miss series, starting with Little Miss Bossy. By now he'd quit advertising entirely. He also created Timbuctoo, a lesser-known series of animal characters.
Died suddenly at 53 from a stroke. His son Adam continued the Mr. Men and Little Miss series. Total sales have exceeded 85 million copies in 20 languages.
More from the Interwar & WWII
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Roger Hargreaves's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.