Janet Ahlberg won two Kate Greenaway Medal for illustrating their books and the 1978 winner Each Peach Pear Plum was named one of the top ten winning works for the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005). As well as the Jolly christmas postman winning the other medal. (no one has ever won 3 medals).
I find the couple very interesting that they produce books together, I was brought up with many of their books such as the 'Jolly postman' stories, 'Each peach pear plum', 'Funnybones' and 'Buffalo bill' just to name a few. So looking into their work again was nostalgic for myself.
Janets illustrations are very full of detail and distinctive in style.Her style is simple, clearly accessible to the very young, but underpinned by an impressive professionalism. Her pictures are full of humour which is never over the head of the smaller reader, but is still equally entertaining for the adult. Who can join in the pleasure after countless re-readings. She uses soft earth-colour washes. With precisely observed interiors for example...
As Burglar Bill sits down in a warm yellow glow to his well-earned tea of fish and chips and KO sauce, what really prompted him to appropriate that box of six dozen hairnets.
In The Jolly Postman - one of Allan's most inventive ideas - and The Jolly Christmas Postman, Janet matched him all the way, setting an atmosphere which is just right, not quite never-never land, but certainly not the real world.
I feel that the books produced by the Ahlbergs generally tend to be aimed at children aged 4-7. This is because I feel that the books are interactive so involve children who cannot necessarily read themselves however they may be learning to read. The books can still be enjoyed by children who can read, as they are entertaining.
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