Toby Twirl
Template:Linkless Toby Twirl was a cartoon character created by Sheila Hodgetts who wrote the stories. Edward Jeffrey illustrated the books that were published by Sampson Low, Marston & Co. Ltd. during the 1940s and 1950s.
The first book, Toby in Pogland, was produced in large format and published in 1946. Four other large formats followed. The standard sized annual format, also published in 1946, began a series that continued until 1958, totalling 14 in all. There were also other formats including small strip books, pop-up books and jigsaws. A series of 8 Toby Twirl Tales, each with two stories, were published between 1950 and 1954. [1]
There is an obvious temptation to compare Toby Twirl with the more famous Rupert Bear. This is a reasonable consideration. The same company published the Rupert Bear Annuals and Sheila Hodgetts' father was managing director. Toby Twirl stories, however, were somewhat darker.
The Stories
Toby Twirl was a pig-like boy, which Edward Jeffrey based on a soft toy made by his wife. His friends were Eli (an elephant) and Pete (a penguin). Many adventures took place in Dillyland, a country of small humans that Toby and friends managed to reach using a miniature railway line with an engine called The Dillypuff crewed by Clem and Joe. There was also a boat called The Dillypaddle. As you'd expect from such stories Toby and friends often accidentally got into trouble or happened upon some villains who they managed to overcome and save the day.
For more information about Toby Twirl see 'The Toby Twirl Adventure Books - A Collector's Guide' by Martin Hockley ISBN 0-9544720-0-4 - this book covers the history of the children's book character Toby Twirl, his creator Sheila Hodgetts and the illustrator Edward Jeffrey. The Collector's guide also lists all Toby Twirl books in their publishing order and is shown in full colour with a price guide. Full details of this book and Toby Twirl can be found at http://www.tobytwirl.co.uk
External link
- Wrinkly Towers (http://www.fortunecity.co.uk/southbank/hornton/535/)