A Bit of Sunday Whimsy

A tribute to Allan Ahlberg who co-authored two of my favorite children's books!

It was rather serendipitous. While cleaning my office, I came across my copy of The Jolly Pocket Postman and thought, “When I am done organizing, I need to sit—in my comfy new chair—and enjoy this book again!”

Not even a day later, I came across a news article about the passing of the author, Allan Ahlberg.

We are greatly saddened to hear of the death of Allan Ahlberg. Together with his wife Janet, Allan created some of the best-loved children’s books of our time – among them, of course, The Jolly Postman. The titular postie and his bicycle have been an ever-popular fixture of our programme for schools and families since the museum opened, and we have been honoured that Allan entrusted us with introducing this beloved character to new generations of children. Allan was a one-of-a-kind storyteller, whose remarkable imagination and wit live on in tales to be enjoyed by many more generations to come. The Postal Museum

It seemed that there was more than one reason to sit and enjoy this delightful book which Ahlberg wrote and illustrated with his wife, Janet. Every page and pocket/envelope is pure delight!

Ahlberg was the master of puns and wordplay—such as making an invitation sent out by letter—a circular—in the shape of a circle.

In British English, a "circular" is a noun referring to an official letter or advertisement that is sent to a large number of people at the same time. It can also be a leaflet or notice intended for wide distribution. Essentially, it's a way to disseminate information to a broad audience, often in a printed format.

I believe my brother—also a children’s literature fan—gave me the book. I was already familiar with another of the author’s books, Each Peach Pear Plum, which was another collaboration with his wife, Janet. It was my daughter’s favorite for a very long time when she was about two or three. I read it to her so often that she could recite it from memory.

In this book with your little eye, take a look and play I spy - so starts the classic story from best-selling author/illustrator team, Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Each Peach Pear Plum introduces favourite fairy tale characters, such as Tom Thumb and The Three Bears and, with a poem on each page hinting as to what is hiding in the picture, children are encouraged to participate and follow the story themselves. (Amazon Description)

As I took time to reflect on my enjoyment of these two books, I realized that my interweaving of children’s book characters in the Brave series of books (specifically, Alice and Dorothy) was probably a result, not only of the influence of literature during my childhood, but also the influence of this author and illustrator’s collaboration. I hadn’t looked inside the books for years, and while I most remember the creative pockets that held many surprises in the Jolly Pocket Postman, Alice and Dorothy were included as characters in the story, much like my interweaving.

Evident in my discovery is the way our subconscious stores bits and pieces away to be used at a later date. I wish I had remembered, I certainly would have acknowledged the influence of this author/illustrator duo!

Finally, Ahlberg provides an alternate story of how the Jolly Pocket Postman story might have gone if the tire had not been flat. It was equally exciting, but sometimes my soul longs for less exciting stories! Yet, what worth would it be if a storyteller only knew less exciting stories?