Roger Hargreaves (1935

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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.

1971 Event

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.

Was Adam's question about what a tickle looks like a lightning bolt? How many rejections did it take before Mr. Tickle found a publisher? Did you know immediately this was bigger than one book?

1974 Event

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.

What was it like hearing Arthur Lowe narrate your characters? Did a million copies change your daily life? Was the BBC series what you'd imagined?

1981 Life

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.

Was Little Miss a companion series or a course correction? Did quitting advertising feel like freedom? Why is Timbuctoo forgotten when Mr. Men survived?

1988 Death

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.

Would you be surprised Adam kept the series going? Does 85 million copies in 20 languages feel like your legacy? What Mr. Men character is most like you?

Artifacts (15)

Mr. Brave

They're back! Rediscover the zaniest characters you've ever met in this best-selling series which has sold millions worldwide. Bright and charming, with easily recognizable characters and a small...

1997

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Mr. Small

They're back! Rediscover the zaniest characters you've ever met in this best-selling series which has sold millions worldwide. Bright and charming, with easily recognizable characters and a small...

1997

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Mr. Strong

Mr. Strong may be a bit too strong for his own good. But if you need a helping hand--he's your man!

1999

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Little Miss Tiny

Little Miss Tiny is so small, no one knows she even exists. Not to worry, Mr. Strong is on the case!

1999

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Little Miss Helpful

Little Miss Helpful means well, but with help like hers--you'd better be careful!

1999

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Mr. Daydream

Join a boy named Jack as he goes on a wild adventure with Mr. Daydream?-without even leaving his desk!

2000

Works Read Talk

Mr. Perfect

They're back! Rediscover the zaniest and most lovable characters you've ever met in the Mr. Men and Little Miss series--the best-selling, timeless, and universal books, which have sold millions of...

2001

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Mr. Cheerful

No collection is complete without the latest adorable additions to the ever-popular, always brimming with personality Mr. Men and Little Miss family. Over 150 million copies sold worldwide! Mr....

2002

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Mr. Grumble

No collection is complete without the latest adorable additions to the ever-popular, always brimming with personality Mr. Men and Little Miss family. Over 150 million copies sold worldwide! Mr....

2002

Works Read Talk

Mr. Impossible

Mr. Impossible can jump over a house and solve the world's toughest math problem. Is there anything he can't do?

2005

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Mr. Christmas

They're back! Rediscover the zaniest and most lovable characters you've ever met in the Mr. Men and Little Miss series—the best-selling, timeless, and universal books, which have sold millions of...

2012

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Mr. Mean

Mr Mean lived up to his name. He is so mean that all he gave his brother for Christmas was a lump of coal. Can the wizard help to make him just a little bit nicer? The Mr Men and Little Miss have been...

2014

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Mr. Happy: 50th Anniversary Edition

They're back! Rediscover the zaniest characters you've ever met in this best-selling series which has sold millions worldwide. Bright and charming, with easily recognizable characters and a small...

2021

Works Read Talk

Would you give up London to live in Saskatchewan?

t to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, the original Zionist aspiration. The story goes that Weizmann asked Balfour, "Would you give up London to live in Saskatchewan?" When Balfour replied...

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Yes, and we lived in Jerusalem when London was still a marsh.

London to live in Saskatchewan?" When Balfour replied that the British had always lived in London, Weizmann responded, "Yes, and we lived in Jerusalem when London was still a marsh." Nevertheless,...

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