Meet fearsome alligators, clever coyotes, a jittery leopard, a shell-less tortoise and all sorts of amazing animals in these wonderful stories from John Yeoman and Quentin Blake.

Journey into the jungle, through the desert, into the mountains and beyond in this jam-packed collection of short stories, with artwork by iconic illustrator Quentin Blake.

Go to a hippopotamus banquet!

Meet a cunning jackal.

Hear about a cheeky bird with an exciting new outfit.

Discover some clever mice who escape a cat …

and MUCH more …

John Yeoman’s lyrical and humorous storytelling is accompanied by unmistakable illustrations by Quentin Blake – one of the most-loved illustrators in the world today. This collection is perfect for reading aloud with younger children, or for helping with independent reading.

Sir Quentin Blake is one of the most globally recognizable illustrators of our time. He was the inaugural Children’s Laureate in 1999, recipient of the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2002, and received a knighthood for his services to children’s literature in 2013. He has been a regular collaborator with Roald Dahl, John Yeoman, Michael Rosen and others, and his artwork continues to delight children and adults alike across the globe.

John Yeoman wrote his first children’s book after leaving Cambridge University, where he read English. This began a collaboration with Quentin Blake in 1960 which continued for over forty years. Prior to his death in 2024, John taught for 28 years, before retiring to spend more time writing, reading and relaxing in France.