Under the Table

Allan Ahlberg (1938-2025) wrote over 140 titles for children and was one of the most beloved children's book writers of his time. Allan's stories include The Pencil and The Runaway Dinner, both illustrated by Bruce Ingman, and bestselling stories illustrated by Janet Ahlberg: Funnybones, The Baby's Catalogue, The Jolly Postman, Peepo and Each Peach Pear Plum. Allan's books have been enjoyed the world over and have won numerous awards – the Kurt Maschler Award, the Blue Peter Award, the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Children's Book Award, to name but a few.Bruce Ingman is an acclaimed artist and Illustration lecturer at Goldsmiths University. His first book, When Martha’s Away, won the 1996 Mother Goose Award for the most exciting British newcomer to children's books. Since then, he has made many more picture books, including Bad News, I’m in Charge and Boing!, written by Sean Taylor, and The Pencil and The Runaway Dinner, written by Allan Ahlberg.

Surreal imagination, warmth and fun. […] Despite its eccentricity, this picture book is full of the recognizable delight of long summer days and family togetherness. As is characteristic, Ahlberg juggles the story and a meta narrative about it, while Ingman’s pictures have a childlike simplicity and exuberance.