Allen Ahlberg has died

[SchnizelVonKrumm]

Once upon a time, or so they say,
A jolly postman came one day
From over the hills, and far away

Very sad news.

ETA he was Allan, not Allen.

😥

RIP. I loved his (and Janet's) books as a Mum, Grandma and Early Years teacher. They have given so much pleasure.

So many wonderful stories.

"That's a nice looking <whatever>, I'll 'ave that" is regularly uttered in our household!

Aah so sad to read this. I worked for the Ahlbergs many years ago looking after their daughter when she was little as they worked from home. was only thinking of Allan the other day. They were a lovely couple.

Funnybones! 🦴 💀

Here's a little baby
1,2.3
Stands in his cot
What does he see?
PEEPO

❤️

I had one Nursery Class who loved Mr Buzz the Beeman. The bees swarm and everyone chases them while shouting 'the little rascals' etc. When it came to 'the little scallywags' they absolutely roared with laughter and were always begging me to read 'Scallywags'.

I’m back knee deep in their gorgeous cosy funny beautiful books with my toddler, a truly incredible legacy. Jolly Postman is one of my favourites. Every letter a treat.

I used to say the words of Peepo to my older one as I tried to get her to sleep, I knew it frontwards, backwards and sideways and would whisper it on repeat in the dark.

If anyone ever asks me what my favourite poem is I instantly answer "Dog in the Playground".
RIP 😭♥️

Ah, he gave us some beautiful bedtime stories with my little girl. Thank you and RIP.

The final page of Peepo always choked me up

Heres the landing mirror
with its rainbow rim
and a mother with a baby
just like him.
here’s the bedroom door
his cot made ready
his father kissing him good night
and his ball, and his teddy.

<weeps>

Not sure if it’s the fact that my granny had a mirror like that, or the dad in the ARP uniform, or the safety of bedtime when you’re loved or what. Wonderful stuff.

He really knew how to write for children.

That’s so lovely to know. Thanks for sharing.

Aw. That’s lovely.

Oh how sad! Peepo was our son’s favourite book, he still has his well worn copy on his bookcase. 28 years later I can still recite it and if I’m buying a gift for a newborn I always include a copy of Peepo.

Such lovely stories. My favorite was Each peach pear plum. Never tired of reading it to my kids when they were little.

It’s so moving isn’t it! I’ve always wondered exactly why too. It’s the mother with a baby just like me I think, when I finally had my first after years of crap trying to it was something about that which just got me straight in the heart. The dad in the story seems such a good egg too.

I love his books. He and his wife were so talented.

I adored Please Mrs Butler!

:( I was obsessed with Bye Bye Baby as a preschooler ❤️ love all their books, inc Jessica Ahlberg! So lovely.

Please Mrs Butler was so good. Along with all his other books and poems. What a team him and Janet made.

How could I forget Burglar Bill or Boglaboll as he's known in our house.

Remember each peach, pear plum from when my sons were young. Rest in peace sir 🙏❤️

Omg. My children wore that book out.
I LOVED peepo.

‘Each peach, pear, plum’ still resonates with me 40 years after reading it to my children then my grandchildren.
We loved the Ahlberg books, I still have them in my bookcase ❤️

I have kept my copies of Peepo and each peach pear plum for when I hopefully have grandchildren one day ! Same with the Hairy Mclarey books ! all classics.