Tony Ross was born in London and trained at the Liverpool School of Art. He has worked as a cartoonist, graphic designer, and art director of an advertising agency. He is now considered to be one of the finest children's illustrators in the country
‘As soon as you see the name Tony Ross on the cover of a book, you know you are in for a treat.’
Books for your Children
‘I haven’t come across a child yet who isn’t enchanted by his work.’
Tony Bradman, Parents Magazine
‘Tony Ross is prolific and his zany imagination never seems to stall.’
Observer
Tony Ross was born on August 10th, 1938 in London. He trained at the Liverpool School of Art and has worked as a cartoonist, a graphic designer, as the Art Director of an advertising agency, and as Senior Lecturer in Art at Manchester Polytechnic. He lives in Nottingham.
Tony Ross has become one of the best known creators of original and traditional picture books and his work has been sold all over the world. His first title for Andersen Press in 1976 was GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS , which was voted one of the best books of the year by the Federation of Children’s Books Groups. Since then he has produced a whole series of highly popular traditional fairy tales, re-told and updated in his own inimitable style, which combines humourous text with flamboyant use of line and colour.
He has now produced over 50 picture books for Andersen Press, including 6 in the DR XARGLE series and 6 in the much-loved TOWSER series. Towser is a scruffy, unheroic dog who is also the star of 26 5-minute animated films, which have been shown by television stations all over the world. TOWSER AND THE MONSTER EGG , published in Spring 1995, was chosen by the Dutch Book Council for the Dutch Children’s Book Week 1994.
Tony’s books have the kind of universal appeal which allows them to be published in countries as far apart as the USA, Japan, and Greenland. Tony's books have been translated into 40 languages in over 100 countries. Tony Ross has won the Silver Paintbrush Award for the best illustrations by a foreign artist three times. First, for his version of JACK AND THE BEANSTALK , then for TOWSER AND SADIE’S BIRTHDAY , and THE SECOND PRINCESS won the award for him again in 1995. I WANT MY POTTY won the Dutch Silver Pencil Award for the best text by a foreign author in 1987 and became a number one children’s bestseller in the UK. In 1986 I’M COMING TO GET YOU won the German Children’s Book Prize, and in 1991 DR XARGLE’S BOOK OF EARTH TIGGERS was shortlisted and highly commended for the Kate Greenaway Medal, and A FAIRY TALE was shortlisted for the Smarties Award. THE SECOND PRINCESS was shortlisted for the Smarties Award in 1994.
Many of Tony’s books have been read and partially animated on television, and King Rollo Films and Abbey Home Entertainment have produced several videos featuring Tony’s work, including I WANT A CAT which consists of five of Tony’s stories, narrated by Victoria Wood. The video has been shown on BBC Television and sold in translation around the world. Tony’s best-known character, THE LITTLE PRINCESS has recently been developed for children’s television, and an animated series is now showing daily on the Milkshake slot on Channel 5. The programme has been sold in over 100 territories worldwide, and Andersen have produced a series of TV tie-in books to accompany the series.
Tony Ross has also illustrated juvenile fiction titles for several publishers in the UK, France, and the USA. In the Andersen Young Readers’ Library his illustrations for the popular MR BROWSER series by Philip Curtis have delighted its many readers, and he has collaborated with Hazel Townson to produce three highly acclaimed beginner readers in Andersen’s Tiger series: AMOS SHRIKE THE SCHOOL GHOST , THROUGH THE WITCHES WINDOW , and SNAKES ALIVE .
Tony's Links
Bedtime Story
Tony's Books
There was once a Nanny Goat who wanted kids more than anything in the world, but she couldn't have any of her own. Adopting seems like the perfect solution, but the kid she adopts is different to the others – in fact, he’s a tiger cub!
But the Nanny Goat doesn’t care. When her mistrustful sisters kick her kid out of the herd, she resolutely stands by him, and her trust in him is repaid when he saves not just her but also his cousins from becoming a hungry tiger’s dinner!
0. I Want a Sister! - Paperback
£5.99 by Tony Ross
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842708354) When she is told that her parents are expecting a new addition to the family, the Little Princess immediately announces that she does not want a brother – they are smelly and rough, and they have all the wrong toys. But when her new baby brother arrives, the Little Princess is pleased. After all, there is only room for one Little Princess in the family!
My Favourite Nursery Rhymes: This joyous collection of favourite nursery rhymes has been selected and illustrated by Tony Ross. Classic rhymes are given a contemporary edge by the award-winning artist, Tony Ross.
My First Nursery Stories: This is a must-have selection of timeless classics, brought gloriously to life by Tony Ross. The collection includes favourites such as
The Three Billy Goats Gruff ,
Henny-Penny ,
The Gingerbread Man ,
Three Little Pigs ,
The Enormous Turnip ,
Little Red Riding Hood ,
Jack and the Beanstalk and
Goldilocks .
The stories have been specially selected for their read-aloud qualities. The large type and full colour, integrated illustrations on every page make these wonderful books to share with even the very youngest child.
This is a must-have selection of timeless classics, brought gloriously to life by the award-winning Tony Ross. The collection includes favourites such as
The Three Billy Goats Gruff ,
Henny-Penny ,
The Gingerbread Man ,
Three Little Pigs ,
The Enormous Turnip ,
Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and
Goldilocks . The stories have been specially selected for their read-aloud qualities. The large type and full colour illustrations on every page make this a wonderful book to share with even the very youngest child.
Join Nelly and her Grandad as they share this charming collection of forty-eight nursery rhymes, including favourites such as
Ring-a-Ring o' Roses ,
Incy Wincy Spider and
Three Blind Mice , brought to life by actors Michael Maloney and Jane Whittenshaw.
This is a must-have selection of timeless classics, selected by Tony Ross and brought gloriously to life by readers Michael Maloney and Jane Whittenshaw. The collection includes favourites such as
The Three Billy Goats Gruff ,
Henny-Penny ,
The Gingerbread Man ,
Three Little Pigs ,
The Enormous Turnip ,
Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and
Goldilocks .
Classic rhymes are given a contemporary edge by Tony Ross's inimitable illustrations. The large type and full colour illustrations on every page make it perfect for sharing with young children. This humorous book will be treasured for many years to come.
The rhymes are brought magically to life on this CD by Michael Maloney and Jane Whittenshaw.
Damian Drooth, the one of a kind, clean-up-the world hero, has arrived. Criminals beware - and be very afraid! In his first case, Damian finds himself in the glamorous world of film-making. But it turns out to be a den of deceit. Damian needs all his mind-boggling skills to keep himself out of trouble and to rescue Trixibelle, the daughter of the crazy, mega-rich director.
For children with some experience of reading by themselves.
0. Naughty Nigel - Paperback
£5.99 by Tony Ross
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842707449) Naughty Nigel pretends to be deaf so that he can play tricks on his parents. When told to get his hat he settles down to paint the
cat and when asked to wash the dishes he does the
fishes instead. But Nigel is taught a lesson by a strange little man from Nightland who is similarly hard of hearing.
0. Ms Wiz Rocks - Paperback
£4.99 by Terence Blacker
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842708484) Ms Wiz is Class Five’s favourite teacher, who also happens to be a paranormal operative!
Bind-up of two stories:
BRAND NEW Ms Wiz story:
Ms Wiz Rocks .
Podge is learning an instrument but he's terrible. Then he meets a street singer playing the ukelele: it's Ms Wiz of course! And in joining her band, he finds himself in a TV talent competition! Rock on, Ms Wiz!
You're Nicked, Ms Wiz Lizzie’s cat is missing, stolen by fur-nappers, and Ms Wiz turns her into a cat to get it back.
The new girl at school has long blonde hair and big blue eyes, so naturally Damian is fascinated when she says that her grandparents' house is haunted. As the local specialist detective, he feels honour bound to solve the mystery! He agrees to spend a night in their bedroom, to see the ghostly white figures for himself - and when the ghosts appear, they go into their nightly mime of one throttling the other. But this time Damian throws himself at them, and they turn out to be very solid humans wearing sheets!
The Little Princess wants to have two birthdays, just like the Queen, which means twice as many presents every year! When she realises how much fun two birthdays are, she decides she wants three, then four. But the more birthdays she has, the less special they are. Perhaps having one birthday a year isn't so boring after all...
0. I Want to Be - Hardback
£4.99 by Tony Ross
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9780862641061) 0. Sloth's Shoes - Hardback
£9.99 by Jeanne Willis
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9780862645793) This witty narrative nonsense poem tells how from the top of the Thunder Tree the news filters down that Sloth's birthdsy party is to be held that very day at three. The animals busily prepare for the celebrations: the Baboons bake the cake, The Potteroos stitch him the finest Birthday Shoes, and the guests assemble. But poor Sloth is so, so slow that by the time he arives the party's over, his cake's a year out and the shoes several sizes too small. Writer Jeanne Willis and artist Tony Ross have established a successful partnership with the hugely popular Dr Xargle series. Fans of their wacky, vibrantly upside-down humour will not be disappointed with this tragi-comic tale of a Sloth who misses his own birthday.
This new collection of short stories features a wayward heroine -Griselda, otherwise known as Grisel. Whether she is attempting to bargain with the Tooth Fairy, hijacking her school Nativity play with unauthorised dialogue, or wrecking her sister's chances of appearing on TV as a Junior Master Chef, Grisel's hilarious escapades will delight children of all ages. Complemented by Tony Ross's comic illustrations this is a book for everyone who enjoyed the author's earlier collections about Willy, who was hailed as 'a modern Just William' in SCHOOL LIBRARIAN.
0. Michael - Paperback
£4.99 by Tony Bradman
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9780862647599) Tony Ross has chosen vivid pastels to illusrate the new adventures of the Little Princess in these four board books for very young children. The simple stories and vibrant, glowing colours will delight toddlers. In SHAPES the Princess looks at different shapes and wonders what to make with them - a friend, of course. In PETS she has to decide which animal she would like as a pet, and in WEATHER she discovers that windy wather is most fun. In BEDTIME, the Little Princess is typically mischievous as she gets ready for bed.
Tony Ross has chosen vivid pastels to illustrate the new adventures of the Little Princess in these four board books for very young children. The simple stories and vibrant, glowing colours will delight toddlers. In SHAPES the Princess looks at different shapes and wonders what to make with them - a friend, of course. In PETS she has to decide which animal she would like a as pet, and in WEATHER she dicovers that windy weather is most fun. In BEDTIME, the Little Princess is typically mischievous as she gets ready for bed.
Damian Drooth, the one kid, clean-up-the world hero, has arrived. Criminals beware - and be very afraid!
In his first case, Damian finds himself in the glamorous world of film-making. But it turns out to be a den of deceit. Damian needs all his mind-boggling skills to keep himself out of trouble and to rescue Trixibelle, the daughter of the crazy, mega-rich director.
For children with some experience of reading by themselves.
0. I Want My Dinner! - Hardback
£5.99 by Tony Ross
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9780862649920) Damian’s amazing detective skills are called on when rich boy, Calvin Baggington, has his super-expensive bike stolen at the Green Park Holiday Village. With a brilliant and cunning plan, Damian solves the crime in style – but not before Mum’s blood pressure rises to new heights and the Holiday Village is thrown into chaos. Even Inspector Crockitt, hoping for a peaceful week’s break, becomes unwillingly and painfully involved.
0. I Want to Go Home! - Paperback
£5.99 by Tony Ross
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842707159) The Little Princess has been moved to a new castle, where there is lots more room! But she just wants to go home to the old castle. But is the old castle still the same, now that it has new owners?
A wonderfully funny and reassuring book that will ring true with anyone who has ever moved house with a toddler.
It was Oscar's friend Billy who brought mud into the house, dressed the dog in Dad's clothes and put frogs in Granny's slippers - so why did Oscar get the blame? No-one ever seemed to be able to see Billy - except Oscar, of course!
0. I Want a Story! - Paperback
£7.99 by Tony Ross
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842709405) Three hilarious Little Princess stories in one, makes for three times the fun! Join the Little Princess on her adventures from three episodes of the award-winning animation.
On one side of the mountain a wolf lives in the lap of luxury - on the other side lives a boy called Harry. Whenever Harry is made to do anything he doesn't like (such as washing or playing the violin), he distracts people by crying, 'Wolf!' even though the wolf is nowhere to be seen. Then one day the wolf really does jump out at Harry, except this time when Harry cries 'Wolf!' nobody takes any notice. . . A hilarious and quirky retelling of a famous fable, with an unexpected ending!
0. Michael - Paperback
£5.99 by Tony Bradman
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842709115) 'Michael was...different. His teachers said he was the worst boy in the school. He was always late and he was a little scruffy.' Is there no hope for him at all? Or is it good to be different?
Tony Bradman's humorous text and Tony Ross's zany illustrations make
Michael the ideal picture book for all children, but particularly for children who are 'different' to their peers in some way.
The Little Princess wants to have two birthdays, just like the Queen, which means twice as many presents every year! When she realises how much fun two birthdays are, she decides she wants three, then four. But the more birthdays she has, the less special they are. Perhaps having one birthday a year isn't so boring after all...
This is a must-have selection of timeless classics, brought gloriously to life by the award-winning Tony Ross. The collection includes favourites such as
The Three Billy Goats Gruff ,
Henny-Penny ,
The Gingerbread Man ,
Three Little Pigs ,
The Enormous Turnip ,
Little Red Riding Hood and
Goldilocks . The stories have been specially selected for their read-aloud qualities. The large type and full colour, integrated illustrations on every page make this a wonderful book to share with even the very youngest child.
“I’m not so much afraid of the DARK!” said the Little Princess.
“I’m sort of more afraid of ghosts.”
Everyone insists there are NO such things as ghosts.
But if that is the case, just what is it that is lurking under the Little Princess’s bed...
0. I Want a Cat - Paperback
£5.99 by Tony Ross
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842706916) Jessy feels like she is the only girl in the whole world without a pet, and Jessy badly wants a cat. Her parents can't stand cats. But Jessy is determined to have one, so she makes herself a fluffy white cat suit and refuses to take it off until her parents buy her a real cat. She even goes to school in her cat suit, and eats raw fish under the table! Jessy's parents finally give in, but to their surprise, Jessy seems to have changed her mind about wanting a cat, and has her sights set on something else...
0. A Message For Santa - Paperback
£5.99 by Hiawyn Oram
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842706961) Emily loves Christmas, but there is something about it which makes her heart sink, and that something is Santa Claus. Emily wants to block up the chimney to prevent Santa entering the house. But her mum inspires her to find another solution. Eventually, Emily writes Santa a note, telling him to come in through the back door, and go no further than the kitchen table! Afterwards, Emily is so pleased with Santa that she decides that from now on, he may enter the house, and even take a nap on the sofa if he is tired.
Hiawyn Oram always writes about important subjects close to children's hearts, and
A Message For Santa will strike a chord with many children who are scared of Santa. Tony Ross breaks new ground with his outstanding illustrations.
0. Old Dog - Hardback
£10.99 by Jeanne Willis
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842706978) ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.’
The Young Pups don’t want to visit Grandpa – he is so
boring , and only ever wants to talk about the olden days. They don’t believe Grandpa was ever young or fun, so Grandpa sets out to prove them wrong, and show them that there is life in the old dog yet!
New Ms Wiz story:
Ms Wiz and the Dog from Outer Space Ms Wiz has to return a puppy to her mum. But the mum is on another planet! It means space-travel: hang on your ears, folks, for a blast through the galaxy!
Ms Wiz Banned! Ms Wiz steps in with two paranormal friends, when the school needs some supply teachers pronto. But no one expects Class Four to turn into pigeons, or Class Three to travel to the tropical island of Sombrero...
0. Fangtastic, Ms Wiz - Paperback
£4.99 by Terence Blacker
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842707036) Ms Wiz Loves Dracula: Ms Wiz is dancing with a stranger - a tall, dark-haired man with long white fangs. Can it be true? The children of Class Five go into action when they realise that Ms Wiz is falling in love. With Dracula!
Ms Wiz Spells Trouble: Class Five discover that their new teacher is a witch! She wears black nail polish, she has a talking rat and a special classroom aide - and she uses some very direct action teaching methods!
Join Nelly and her Grandad as they share this charming collection of nursery rhymes, compiled and illustrated by the award-winning artist and illustrator, Tony Ross.
0. I Want My Sledge! - Paperback
£4.99 by Tony Ross
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842707067) It’s a beautiful winter’s day at the castle and the Little Princess has found her old sledge to play on. She’s having a great time until the Chef whizzes past on his brand new shiny sledge. She wants one of those! When the King finally gives in and let’s her have one, the Princess thinks her dreams have come true. But new doesn’t always mean better...
Damian Drake’s new pen-friend, Mitzi, saw him in his last play, was impressed by his juggling skills and wants to meet him. Damian agrees, but runs into even more trouble than ever. Their new gardener turns out to be the very man who deserted Mitzi’s Aunt Velda at the altar, and she is mad for revenge. Also, Damian’s well-connected parents have invited as a dinner guest the judge who sent Mitzi’s father to prison, and he is equally mad for revenge. Mayhem is certain to follow.
0. I Want a Trumpet! - Paperback
£4.99 by Tony Ross
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842707081) When a new music box arrives at the castle and captures everyone’s attention, the Little Princess decides to learn to play an instrument too. She makes herself a funnel trumpet and is soon practising all over the castle. Unfortunately not everyone seems to appreciate her music as much as she does…
0. Grill Pan Eddy - Paperback
£5.99 by Jeanne Willis
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842707111) 'I'm Grill Pan Eddy! Everybody ready?
Catch me if you can!'
Help! There's a mouse in the house! Grill Pan Eddy is an irrepressible, noisy and unwanted addition to the household, and a hilarious battle of wits ensues as the family tries to get rid of him!
“I’m not so much afraid of the DARK!” said the Little Princess.
“I’m sort of more afraid of ghosts.”
Everyone insists there are NO such things as ghosts.
But if that is the case, just what is it that is lurking under the Little Princess’s bed...
Damian Drooth has already solved two cases to great acclaim (and uproarious chaos!), and now he thinks it's time to pass on his skills. His students want practical experience, so he leads his seven eager trainees through the High Street looking for 'criminle tipes', as drawn by Damian himself. In the library they hit the jackpot: a blonde lady, with thin lips, removing a book called 'Loot'. Unfortunately they are prevented from pursuing her then, but the next day they go to a Dog Show, and their hot suspect turns out to be the Judge! Damien overhears her in incriminating conversation, and it's time to call in the police. However, the police take too long to arrive, and the children have to stage a mock riot in order to prevent her from leaving the scene. Damian Drooth has saved the day, again!
0. Why? - Paperback
£5.99 by Tony Ross
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842706077) 'WHY?' is Lily's favourite word. She asks it all the time. Her dad tries to give her sensible answers but sometimes he just gets cross. Then, one afternoon in the park, something rather unusual happens – something that makes Lily's dad very proud of her indeed...
0. Nicky - Paperback
£4.99 by Tony Ross
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842706114) A little girl is terrified of going to school: 'I won't know anyone . . . school dinners will make me sick . . . the teachers will bite me . . . I'll be the littlest.' she complains. But school is a hit and she even makes a friend. The two new friends are horrified to discover that they are expected to go to school on the following day too!
0. Daft Bat - Paperback
£5.99 by Jeanne Willis
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842706121) All the young wild animals think Bat is mad. How can she say a tree has the trunk at the top and the leaves at the bottom? Until, that is, they consult wise Owl who suggests that if they just try looking at things from Bat's point of view, they might see thing very differently.
The Little Princess is playing the day away in her enormous, echoey old castle! Her amazing activity book is crammed to the rafters with puzzles, paintings and games.
Every page leads to an exciting new corner of the castle, from the deepest dungeon to the tallest tower. Children can bake cakes with the Chef in the kitchen, play tiddlywinks with the King in his study or help the Maid as she folds up the clothes in the royal laundry. Along the way there are wordsearches, mazes and quizzes, all sorts of colouring fun, plus a board game where children can spend hours exploring the castle with the Little Princess.
The Little Princess has pulled on her wellies ready to play the day away in the castle garden! Her new sticker book is packed full of outdoor fun, with special stickers to add to every scene.
Help the Little Princess play hide and seek with Gilbert, sow seeds in the greenhouse with the Gardener then picnic with Puss and Scruff. Children will love sharing the Little Princess’s day, from her first run in the sunshine to her bubbly bath at the end.
The Little Princess is determined not to put anything on her feet, until the Maid shows her a special box. The gleaming red shoes inside are too wonderful for words. Now the Little Princess is so proud of her new party pumps, she refuses to take them off!
0. Can I Keep it? - Paperback
£4.99 by Tony Ross
(Books/All genres)
(ISBN:9781842706442) The Little Princess thinks her tiny tadpole is the best thing ever. She keeps him in a bowl next to her bed, topped up with pond water and fresh weed. Everyone tells her that tadpoles aren’t really pets, but the Little Princess doesn’t care—until she wakes up to a big surprise!
When a neighbour's dog goes missing, Damian and his gang of detective apprentices are called in to help find it. First they try posters - but for some reason the newsagent is not happy that they have super-glued their hand-drawn posters to his window. Then they try a decoy. And when that doesn't work, they resort to 'rescuing' dogs that have been left on the street, and taking them back to Damian's shed. As angry dog owners bear down on them, very luckily the original missing dog turns up!
Damian Drooth is electrified to hear the Headmaster tell everyone off about graffiti in one of the school toilets. He immediately wants to bring all his powers of detection to bear to find the perpetrator - with his class of willing detective apprentices. What with sorting out a handwriting test, and looking for matching paint, he needs all the help he can get! But even Damian isn't expecting to be accused of the crime himself! Can this phenomenally lucky and outrageously successful investigator extricate himself, and still catch the criminal?
Of course he can!
