David McKee’s economically told story of how the Toucan might have got his name looks as fresh today as when it was first published over fifty years ago. At the beginning, Toucan is all black and, laughed at by the other animals, leaves the jungle to find his fortune. He journeys across luridly colourful landscapes, a conspicuous blot of black, and takes up a number of different jobs until he finds one he likes, carrying cans. Two cans is no problem for him, and he earns the nickname ‘Two Can’. Overreaching himself trying to carry three cans leads to a paint spill and new colourful plumage. McKee’s unstated, surreal humour is as distinctive as his graphic style, and this is a book to delight readers of all ages. ~ Andrea Reece
There was once a bird in the forest that was completely black, except for his white eyes, who was laughed at by all the other animals because he did not have a name. So he must go to seek his fortune.
A modern fable that answers the question "How did the toucan get its name?" - and also incidentally his amazing colours.This beautiful hardback edition of David McKee's first ever picture book – published in its original size - is reissued to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Andersen Press.
Forty years ago Klaus Flugge founded Andersen Press based on a desire to bring together the best authors and illustrators and put good quality books into the hands of children across the world.
Andersen Press is marking its 40th birthday with some very special anniversary publishing, including the debut picture books from two of the most distinguished authors and illustrators in the world of children’s books, David McKee and Tony Ross's Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
David McKee (January 1935 – April 2022) was born in Devon and studied at Plymouth Art College. In the early part of his career, McKee regularly drew and sold humorous drawings to magazines and newspapers such as The Times Educational Supplement, Punch and the Reader’s Digest.
David McKee wrote and illustrated over 50 picture books for Andersen Press and penned a number of children’s classics including King Rollo, Mr Benn, Not Now Bernard and of course, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.
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