Chicken Licken Inscribed By Michael Foreman To Wendy Cooling

Published by Andersen Press, London, UK, 1998. First edition. Original pictorial boards. Size: 21.7cm x 26.6cm. Unpaginated. Illustrated throughout. Inscribed by Michael Foreman by way of the chicken to the book reviewer, traveller, author, teacher and founder of Bookstart, Wendy Cooling: ‘For Wendy, with love, Michael Foreman, 1998’. (Cooling’s review of ‘Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone’ is found on the front board of the first edition of Rowling’s first book.) A fine, tight, bright, clean copy and a wonderful association copy. Scarce thus.

Wendy Cooling: A Short Biography

Wendy Cooling (1941–2020) was a British educator, author, and influential figure in children’s literature. She is best known for her work in promoting reading among children and for founding the Bookstart program, which encourages parents to share books with their young children from an early age.

Early Life and Career

• Born: March 21, 1941, in Woking, Surrey, England.
• Education: Cooling trained as a teacher and began her career working in schools, where she developed a deep passion for children’s literature and the importance of early literacy.

Contribution to Children’s Literacy

• Bookstart: In 1992, Cooling founded the Bookstart program in the UK. The initiative was ground-breaking, as it was the first program of its kind to provide free books to parents of babies and young children, aiming to instil a love of reading from a very young age. The success of Bookstart led to its adoption in many other countries and established it as a key early literacy program worldwide.
• Advocacy: Wendy Cooling was a tireless advocate for children’s literacy. She worked extensively with schools, libraries, and publishers to promote reading and to ensure that children had access to quality literature.
• Authorship: In addition to her work as an educator and literacy advocate, Cooling also authored several anthologies and books for children, often focusing on introducing young readers to a wide range of stories and cultures.

Legacy

• Recognition: Cooling received numerous accolades for her contributions to children’s literacy, including an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2009 for her services to children’s literature.
• Impact: Wendy Cooling’s work has had a lasting impact on early childhood education and literacy. Her efforts have helped millions of children develop a love for reading, setting them on a path to lifelong learning.
• Wendy Cooling played a significant role in the early promotion of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Her review, which appeared on the first edition’s cover, described the book as “a terrific read and a stunning first novel.” Cooling’s endorsement was one of the early critical praises that helped draw attention to Rowling’s debut, contributing to its initial success. Cooling’s influence in children’s literature and her positive review played a part in the book’s rise to prominence

Cooling passed away on June 16, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to children’s literature and education. Her work continues to inspire educators, parents, and children around the world.

Michael Foreman: A Short Biography

Michael Foreman (born March 21, 1938) is a renowned British author and illustrator, celebrated for his contributions to children’s literature. Born in Suffolk, England, Foreman studied at the Lowestoft School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London. He began his career illustrating books by other authors before creating his own, and he has since illustrated over 200 books, often blending historical and contemporary themes with rich, evocative illustrations.

Foreman’s notable works include “War Boy” and “War Game”, which reflect his childhood experiences during World War II. His illustrations are known for their vivid detail and emotional depth, often exploring themes of conflict, peace, and environmentalism.

Throughout his career, Foreman has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal, which he won twice. His work continues to inspire and captivate readers of all ages, making him one of the most respected figures in children’s literature.

Why Buy From Us?

At Hornseys, we only offer items that meet the highest standards of condition, quality and authenticity. Our collection of rare and signed books is carefully curated to ensure each piece is authentic and of fine quality.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every work is researched, collated, and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: Each book is selected with a keen eye for historical significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, items may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:
Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of rare and signed books. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a unique historical piece, our selection offers something truly exceptional. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for bibliophiles, art enthusiasts, historians, and collectors since 1976.

Thank you for looking