Tiger, Tom & Tickle is a celebration of dramatist David Wood’s creative collaborations with three key children’s writers.
This book reveals the private correspondence between Wood and Judith Kerr (1923-2019), Philippa Pearce (1920-2006), and Kathleen Hale (1898-2000).
The title refers to the creations of these four women: Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came To Tea; Pearce’s Tom’s Midnight Garden; and Tinker the cat in Hale’s Orlando the Marmalade Cat.
Beloved works, all. The first two became successful stage adaptations by Wood, while his attempts to bring Orlando to the TV screen are recounted in detail.
This is a beautifully illustrated book, a heavy paperback that is essential reading for those interested in children’s literature and how it comes to life in the theatre.
Each of these formidable and creative women come to life in Tiger, Tom & Tinkle. As professional associations grow, friendships develop and this is evident in the warmth of the letters.
Wood’s recollections of meeting and working with this women makes the book an enthralling read. The successes, suggestions, ideas, and frustrations of developing a work are evident.
This is the third volume of Wood’s work I have reviewed, following Elizabeth Taylor’s Kiss (people met during screen work) and Frank Exchanges (letters between Wood and his mentor).
Each book feels like you are eavesdropping on a chat with an old friend, with wit, foresight, and empathy. In Tiger, Tom & Tinkle, we get a window into the working practice of “the national children’s dramatist”.
Essential reading for anyone interested in the mechanics of how children’s authors create works that resonate with so many people.
These letters are chatty, personal and assured on both sides. Marvellous!
Tiger, Tom & Tinkle by David Wood is published by The Book Guild and is available now.