John Yeoman
Estate
Agent
Assistant
Melissa Tombere
MTombere@UnitedAgents.co.ukBiography
John Yeoman read English at Downing College, Cambridge, and Education at London University. Much of his teaching career was spent at the French Lycee in South Kensington, where he was for many years head of English. His first children’s book, published in 1960, was also the first illustrated by Quentin Blake, and their collaboration has continued up to today. Many of their titles have appeared also in France, Germany, Holland, Japan and the USA. Since his early retirement from teaching John Yeoman has had time to read more books, listen to more opera, and plant old roses in both Sussex and South-West France, as well as writing even more stories and verses for Quentin Blake and other artists to illustrate.
Publications
Children's
2018 reissue of the 1961 classic
It is nearly the summer holidays and Billy Dexter and his classmates are trying to finish their wicker baskets. Their craft teacher, Miss Beddows, is so appalled by Billy’s efforts that she keeps him in after class for a pep talk. ‘As long as you set your mind on something and try hard enough, there’s nothing you can’t do.’ Billy loves the idea that he can do anything, but his friends, Melanie and Paul, don’t agree. ‘What about growing horns?’ suggests Melanie. It is a challenge Billy has to accept.
Brimming with humour and written in John Yeoman’s matter-of-fact style, this story from 1961 is vividly illustrated with Quentin Blake’s inimitable drawings. It was the second in a long line of collaborations between John Yeoman and Quentin Blake.
Hundreds of mischievous mice are causing trouble in the miller’s barn, and his new tabby cat is not very good at catching them. In fact, it’s not long before the mice and the cat form a firm friendship against all odds. But when danger comes to the barn, the mice and the tabby must join forces to save themselves and each other.
‘Look out, the wild washerwomen are coming!’
Once upon a time there were seven unhappy washerwomen, with far too much washing to do. When their voices aren’t heard they decide to go on strike – and wreak havoc in the local villages. No one can control the washerwomen, until seven woodcutters, decide to try. But perhaps the washerwomen will teach the woodcutters a thing or two instead, and everyone might just live happily ever after…
Bear is preparing his house for winter by gathering moss, logs and branches to keep himself warm. His animal friends think he’s being ridiculous and make fun of him – but as the winter approaches, Bear is cosy, while the others shiver out in the cold. Very kindly, Bear lets his friends in, but they are far too excited to sleep and cause a ruckus! Will Bear ever get some rest?
Colin’s bullying is getting worse. First he leaves Rod in the creepy cellar where they play. Then he tells him of the story of the man with no face who haunts the cellar. The next day they return to the cellar. The thunder roars, the lights go out, and the nightmare becomes reality.
