Roger Hargreaves, Adam Hargreaves ​

Charles Roger Hargreaves was an English author and illustrator of children's books, most notably the Mr. Men and Little Miss series, which are continued by his son, Adam Hargreaves. The series has become globally popular, with translations into multiple languages and adaptations into animated television shows.

Quick Facts ​

• Created the children's book series Mr. Men and Little Miss.
• Published under the name Roger Hargreaves, and then under Adam Hargreaves after his death.
• The series has sold over 85 million copies worldwide.
• Has been translated into 20 languages.
• Several of the characters have been adapted into animations and merchandise.

Background ​

Roger Hargreaves was born in 1935 in the town of Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, England. After working in advertising for over a decade, Hargreaves first found success as a children's author in 1971 with the creation of Mr. Tickle, the first book in the Mr. Men series. He went on to create another popular series called Little Miss in 1981.

His inspiration for the characters in these series were his own children. The conceptualization of Mr. Tickle came about when his son, Adam, asked him what a tickle looked like. Hargreaves took delight in crafting stories around distinct personalities represented by his vividly illustrated characters.

After Roger Hargreaves died in 1988, the Mr. Men and Little Miss series were continued by his son, Adam Hargreaves. He had been involved with his father's works since he was a boy, contributing ideas for the characters and their storylines. Keeping to his father's style of storytelling, Adam expanded the Mr. Men Little Miss universe with new characters and plotlines. Today, the series has become a beloved brand, selling millions of books and inspiring animations, stage productions, and merchandise worldwide.

Writing Style and Impact ​

The writing style of Hargreaves is simple, imaginative and full of humor, mainly focused towards a younger audience of readers. Renowned for creating the beloved “Mr. Men and Little Miss” series, his stories often incorporate life lessons and moral values. His illustrations, bright and inviting, define the characters often more than the text. Following his death, his son, Adam Hargreaves, continued his legacy, maintaining the same style and charm. Their combined work has had a notable impact on children's literature, inspiring imagination and creativity in the younger generation.

Notable Works ​

• Mr. Men series (1971-2011)
• Little Miss series (1981-2020)
• Timbuctoo series (1978-1979)
• Walter Worm series (1983)
• John Mouse series (1990-1992)