ACHUKA Book of the Day 15 October 2026
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN: 978180199859
from the Chris Beetles Gallery website: Charles Folkard (1878 – 1963)
Charles Folkard was born in Lewisham, South London, on 6 April 1878, the son of a printer. Educated locally at Colfe’s Grammar School, he began an apprenticeship with a firm of designers, but left to become a conjuror. It was in designing programmes for his shows that he discovered his talent for drawing. He then studied at various art schools – including Goldsmiths’ College and those at St John’s Wood, Blackheath and Sidcup – while beginning to establish a career as an illustrator. Initially contributing humorous drawings to such periodicals as Little Folks and The Tatler, he made his name, in 1910, with illustrations to an edition of Johann Wyss’s The Swiss Family Robinson. A year later, he illustrated The Children’s Shakespeare and Grimm’s Fairy Tales, so initiating a relationship with the publisher, A & C Black, which would last for twenty-seven years.
In 1915, Folkard joined the Daily Mail as a staff artist and, in that position, invented the newspaper’s strip cartoon, ‘Teddy Tail’. When he decided to concentrate on book illustration, his brother, Harry, took over the strip. Another son, Edward, became a sculptor. Having a strong understanding of the appeal of fantasy, he also wrote pantomimes and children’s plays.
Classic Fables is more than a collection of stories; it is a beautifully crafted keepsake. Featuring a gorgeous hardback finish, elegant foil blocking, and a premium ribbon marker, it is the ultimate gift for christenings, birthdays, and the festive season.
Inside, over 100 of Aesop’s most beloved fables are brought to vivid life through the enchanting full-colour watercolours and intricate line drawings of celebrated Golden Age illustrator Charles Folkard. From The Tortoise and the Hare to The Boy Who Cried Wolf, these iconic and lesser-known tales teach gentle lessons in honesty, kindness and wit.
Designed to be read and cherished again and again, this stunning edition will spark children’s imaginations and create moments of shared discovery across generations.
Out today! Classic Fables brings together over 100 of Aesop’s best-loved tales, beautifully illustrated with vintage artwork by Charles Folkard. With a stunning hardback finish, foil blocking and ribbon marker, it’s a timeless keepsake to treasure. Buy: https://t.co/uPH4Pv8buj
— HollyEd (@Holly__Ed) October 8, 2026
