Burglar Bill

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Every morning he has stolen toast and marmalade - as with The Tiger Who Came To Tea , there is the incongruous mix of traditional cosy English life along with something quite forceful and unmannerly. And to get the children to draw a wanted poster of Burglar Bill or any of the other characters from the story, which would serve as visual material for their Police station role-play area or contribute to a classroom display. He confronts the burglar, who he discovers is Burglar Betty, and they talk to one another to find they have much in common. It's such an oddball story as Burglar Bill lives upto his name and pinches anything he fancies, including a box with a big surprise.

Anstey's 1888 Burglar Bill, and Other Pieces for the Use of the Young Reciter, might have been an inspiration for the Ahlbergs. The striking simplicity of Bill's burgling outfit – a black mask and cap and a striped shirt – has made Burglar Bill a popular party or Halloween costume choice. I found it quite amusing, with its blithe acceptance of Burglar Bill's crime sprees, and its tale of lifestyle reformation.Janet sadly died in 1994, but Allan has gone on to work with other illustrators and is still producing lots of new books. Burglar Bill is the delightful story of a thief who lives off other people's fortunes, until two major events change his life forever.

Also, there is an implicit moral tone to the story that balances the otherwise unacceptable idea that burglary is a forgivable, victimless activity.With some other pieces it was published in 1888 as Burglar Bill, and other pieces for the young reciter. Many of his books were collaborations with his wife, Janet, an illustrator, and they quickly became one of Britain’s leading author/illustrator teams. However the really lovely thing is how he is a reformed character by the end of the story so no wrong messages being sent about stealing. The silly nature of the written story is only enhanced by the stereotypical ‘burglar’ outside the characters are wearing.

I wanted the mask and the cap and the striped jumper and the sack, and I wanted Bill's cosy looking little house, and to sleep all day and go out at night (this may be the genesis of my love of vampire lore too). Allan Ahlberg is one of the UK's most acclaimed and successful authors of children's books - including the best-selling Jolly Postman series. Burglar Bill is an entertaining picture book by the iconic British husband and wife picture book team Janet and Allan Ahlberg, creators of Peepo! From an educational point of view I think this is a nice story that children from nursery-year 2 would find enjoyable.She just left him on the door step while she was busy burgling and the next thing she knew, he'd gone. My 8 year old still insists I read it to him at least once a month and I love the fact that if my 19 year old is around when we are reading, he will linger long enough to hear the end.