Allan Ahlberg

Available for over a year

Mariella Frostrup talks to celebrated author Allan Ahlberg, creator of children's classics including The Jolly Postman and Each Peach Pear Plum. His latest book is all about doubling, and could even help young readers with their maths, but Allan Ahlberg tells Mariella that he's never had a moral or educational purpose in his work, for him it's all about playfulness and experimenting with words. We investigate some of the quirkier texts to be found in the London Library, including a Letter On Corpulence, Addressed to the Public, from 1864 and The Little Book of Health and Courtesy which was written for children in 1905. Mariella discusses a new prize which aims to reward a work of fiction with strong female protagonists at its centre, and an editor recommends a work from a rival's list.