Happy Families is a series of children's books written by Allan Ahlberg; as the titles indicate, they were inspired by the traditional card game happy families. Ahlberg worked with a number of illustrators and the books were published by Puffin Books. The series form a transition for children between picture books and chapter books.The Puffin Handbook p 38 It is a popular series, having sold in excess of 2.6 million copies since its launch in 1980.Allan Ahlberg page on jacketflap.com
A children's TV series based on the books, also called Happy Families, was produced by the BBC in the late 1980s.
Titles Master Money the Millionaire, illustrated by Andre Amstutz Master Bun the Bakers' Boy, illustrated by Fritz Wegner Mrs Lather's Laundry, illustrated by Andre Amstutz Mr Creep the Crook, illustrated by Andre Amstutz Miss Jump the Jockey, illustrated by Andre Amstutz Master Track's Train, illustrated by Andre Amstutz Master Salt the Sailors' Son, illustrated by Andre Amstutz Mr and Mrs Hay the Horse, illustrated by Colin McNaughton Miss Brick the Builders' Baby, illustrated by Colin McNaughton Mrs Jolly's Joke Shop, illustrated by Colin Mcnaughton Mr Buzz the Beeman, illustrated by Faith Jaques Miss Dose the Doctors' Daughter, illustrated by Faith Jaques Mr Tick the Teacher, illustrated by Faith Jaques Mrs Wobble the Waitress, illustrated by Janet Ahlberg Mr Biff the Boxer, illustrated by Janet Ahlberg Mr Cosmo the Conjuror, illustrated by Joe Wright Mrs Plug the Plumber, illustrated by Joe Wright Miss Dirt the Dustman's Daughter, illustrated by Tony Ross Mrs Vole the Vet, illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark Ms Cliff the Climber, illustrated by Fritz Wegner
Notes