Tony Ross is one of the finest illustrators in the UK and his work is seen way beyond the world of children’s books. His Little Princess is a hugely memorable character that little girls completely adore. She’s feisty, determined, quite stubborn too but always a delight to have around.
The Little Princess is determined not to put anything on her feet, until the Maid shows her a special box. The gleaming red shoes inside are too wonderful for words. Now the Little Princess is so proud of her new party pumps, she refuses to take them off!
Born in 1938 in Wandsworth, South London, Tony Ross never though about a career in art, but says he fell into it after his dream of being a cowboy disintegrated when a letter he wrote to John Wayne was never replied to.
After Liverpool College of Art, Tony became an art director at an Advertising Agency but after a particularly bad day in the office he gave up his job to go into teaching at Manchester Polytechnic.
His first book was published in 1976 and as well as his own, he has illustrated over 1000 books for authors such as Roald Dahl, David Walliams, Paula Danziger and Michael Palin, which are published all over the world. His series of books written with Jeanne Willis featuring the extra terrestrial teacher, Dr Xargle, has established a huge following of fans. As has his fantastic and fun illustrations in the Horrid Henry series. A TV adaptation of his much-loved Little Princess series is currently showing on Channel 5’s Milkshake.
