Roger Duvoisin – illustratör

Who has fallen into the rain puddle? Is it plump hen, turkey gobbler, curly sheep or beautiful fat pig? When all the animals peer into the puddle at the same time, they see the entire farmyard underwater. Off they run to get help. Meanwhile, the hot sun shines down and wise owl chuckles to himself. This charming tale – ideal for reading out loud – captures perfectly the wonder of discovering the outside world for the first time.

A wonderful feel good message about learning who you are, and finding happiness and a real friend.The lion at the little French zoo is a favourite of all the townspeople. Every day they stop by to feed him tidbits and say, 'Bonjour, Happy Lion.' Naturally, when the lion finds his door open, he decides it would only be proper to visit all his friendly neighbours in return. But, wait-sacre bleu! Why is everyone fleeing in terror? More than 50 years after its first publication this title is still a firm favourite, making it an ideal gift from both grandparents or those who love the retro style. Winner of the inaugural German Book Prize 1956.

Age range 3 to 6In the second title in this classic series, our friendly hero, The Happy Lion, is lonely. When a beautiful lioness comes to town with a visiting circus, the Happy Lion pays her a visit and it is love at first sight! The Happy Lion finds a way to release her and hide her in his enclosure. When she is discovered, he won't let anyone separate them, and his friend Francois convinces the mayor to let the lioness stay. 'Genuine mid-century styling will appeal to art lovers as well as the nostalgia market. The lion is drawn with great sensitivity and Duvoisin's tawny palette is pleasingly appropriate.' - Books for Keeps'Duvoisin's illustrations are exceptional.' - The Times'Superb art and a lovely story where friendship and freedom reign supreme, characterise this classic re-issue.' - Red Reading HubTeachers' notes available here

The third adventure in this much-loved classic series is re-published for a new audience.'There was once ONE Happy Lion who lived in the zoo of a little French town. Then there were TWO Happy Lions, and that's better than one, because two is company. Then ... one day ... there were THREE Happy Lions...' The proud parents are delighted with their new cub. But what profession could he have? How can they help launch him into the world? After trying out a couple of jobs, the grown cub finally chooses his own career and thankfully becomes another happy lion.

'There was once ONE Happy Lion who lived in the zoo of a little French town. Then there were TWO Happy Lions, and that's better than one, because two is company. Then...one day...there were THREE Happy Lions...'The proud parents are delighted with their new cub. But what profession could he have? How can they help launch him into the world?

One fine day, Mr. Bobbin dons his hunting outfit and heads into the forest. Fully equipped and ready, he's forgotten one thing----that he's a hunter, as well as a vegetarian, who cannot hunt because of his great love of animals. Curiously, this is a true story. When first published (1962), the real happy hunter had been "hunting" for 25 years. Roger Duvoisin was born in Switzerland and came to the US in 1925. He wrote and illustrated forty books, and illustrated over 100 more by other authors. He received the Caldecott Medal in 1947 for White Snow, Bright Snow and a Caldecott Honor in 1966 for Hide and Seek Fog.

As expectation mounts on Christmas Eve, a boy hears sleigh bells ringing and looks out of the window in time to see Santa arrive. Santa comes down the chimney (this is a fun picture as the book is tall and thin) and delivers the presents while pretending he does not notice the boy watching. Off he rides with all his favourite reindeer, and it's time for Christmas to begin! Told in verse that's perfect to recite aloud with all the family gathered around, this poem has stood the test of time since it was first written almost 200 years ago.