I cannot recall having the ability to commit specific names to memory as a child. It’s a pattern that has continued into adulthood, for I still, to this day, struggle to remember authors, directors, actors or artists, even when I am immersed in their work.

My ability, therefore, to recall the names of two people in particular, even as a young boy, emphasises the sheer impact they had on me, for I knew, somehow, that I needed to know who was behind the words and pictures I had fallen in love with.

Roald Dahl’s work was my true literacy love growing up, and the trademark illustrations from Quentin Blake are still amongst my all time favourites.

Before the revelation that it was, in fact, two men, one called Roald and the other Quentin, that were creating my favourite books and drawings it had never dawned on me that the stories were not simply the documentation of real events. Nevertheless, having Roald and Quentin firmly remembered, I was able to understand the role of an author and illustrator for the very first time.

I was lucky enough to stumble upon some Fantastic Mr. Fox playing cards at the weekend, all with Blake’s own take on Joker, Jack, King and Queen.  Here is a fun interview with the man himself. Nothing high brow about it, that’s for sure.

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