About this Item
This is the genuine 1978 reprint of the 1977 first edition from Purnell Books (an imprint of Purnell & Sons Ltd.). Printed and made in Great Britain by Purnell & Sons Ltd. at Paulton (Bristol) and London. Copyright © 1977 Copydate Ltd./Roobarb Enterprises Ltd. This is not a modern facsimile or later reprint ? it is an authentic early softcover edition produced at the height of the original Roobarb television phenomenon.
Author, Illustrator & Creator
Written and illustrated by Grange Calveley (1943?2021), the visionary British writer and artist who created the beloved Roobarb and Custard BBC animated series in 1974. Calveley based the green dog Roobarb on his own energetic Welsh Border Collie and the pink cat Custard on the large feline that lived next door. He not only wrote every story but also produced the original character designs and the distinctive hand-drawn illustrations featured throughout this book. His work perfectly captures the same playful, slightly anarchic spirit that made the TV episodes so memorable.
The Classic TV Show Connection
Roobarb (also known as Roobarb and Custard) first aired on BBC1 between October 1974 and May 1975 ? thirty five-minute episodes narrated by the wonderful Richard Briers with music by Johnny Hawksworth and groundbreaking animation directed by Bob Godfrey. The show?s unique ?boiling? or wobbly line effect (created by using ordinary magic markers on paper rather than traditional cels) became instantly recognisable and is still celebrated today as a landmark of British children?s television. It became a cult favourite in the UK and was sold to over 40 countries worldwide. The stories are simple, whimsical, and full of gentle British absurdity. This Purnell book is a direct tie-in, expanding one of Calveley?s whimsical story ideas into a full picture-book adventure.
Full of gentle British humour, silly misunderstandings, and the classic Roobarb/Custard rivalry, the book perfectly mirrors the spirit of the original TV episodes.
The artwork is classic Calveley ? energetic lines, bold colours, and that unmistakable ?boiling? cartoon charm that fans adore. Every page is a visual treat for anyone who grew up with the 1970s series.
These early Purnell Roobarb softcovers are increasingly difficult to find in this condition, especially with the original 1977/78 printings. Most surviving copies show far more wear or have been read to pieces by children in the late 1970s. This Near Fine example, complete with the dated 1978 Christmas inscription, is a genuine piece of British television history. It would make a wonderful addition to any collection of 1970s children?s books, animation memorabilia, or Roobarb & Custard ephemera.
A lovely, display-worthy copy that captures the innocent, inventive fun of one of Britain?s most fondly remembered animated characters.
Condition: Near Fine / Fine ? an exceptionally well-preserved example
This is a bright, fresh, and very clean copy of this scarce 1970s children?s picture book. The binding remains tight and square with absolutely no spine creasing, cracking, or loosening. Covers are bright and unmarked, showing only minimal shelf-rubbing and a very faint, even age-toning in the white background areas that is completely typical for this 48-year-old title. All internal pages are crisp, clean, and free of any foxing, spotting, tears, creases, or annotations. The vibrant full-colour illustrations retain their original punch and clarity with no fading whatsoever.
A lovely and very personal contemporary gift inscription appears on the front free endpaper (the blank page facing the title page):
?To Paul Love From Tania x x Xmas 1978?
Written very lightly in faint pencil. The inscription is so delicate it is almost invisible in normal lighting and can be gently and completely erased with a soft rubber eraser if a pristine copy is preferred. It adds a charming period touch that many collectors actually treasure.
Seller Inventory # ABE-1775260888022
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