Seen through today’s eyes, it is a very mild affair and this or any of the other Mr Benn stories would make a worthy addition to any child’s bookshelf. Nostalgia can often colour one's views - it's all too easy to remember loving something, rather than actually loving it again in the cold light of day. This was after the BBC – who screened the television series – felt that the story was too mature for a children's series.

It was also rated number 13 in the 50 Greatest Kids TV Shows which aired on Channel 5 on 8 November 2013. Anthony Wedgwood Benn (1925 Ð 2014) known as Tony Benn fought to renounce his title which he inherited on his father's death as he wanted to remain an MP. 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. Relieved, the circus folk make their way to the town, pitch up their tent and (although exhausted) begin to perform. A red suit of armour catches Mr Benn’s eye, and when he tries it on he finds himself transported to a land full of castles, dungeons and dragons!David McKee is the author and illustrator of over 100 children's books and the creator of several memorable characters besides Mr Benn, including Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and King Rollo. David McKee (1935 - 2022) was the creator of well-known characters including King Rollo, Mr Benn and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, which is now published in more than 60 languages and has its own successful global merchandise programme. One of the World Book Day 2015 Authors David McKee is one of the best known illustrators of picture books, having created acknowledged modern classics such as Not Now, Bernard, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, and Mr Benn, Gladiator. It isn’t often that I allow myself the time to really appreciate the children’s books that arrive at Gobbledy HQ these days.

He is apprenticed to another hunter, who claims to be the greatest hunter in the world, and prevents him from killing any of the animals, by claiming they are not enough of a challenge for him. Mr Benn puts on a spacesuit and jets off to different amazing planets – one with jewels, one with no colour and one brightly coloured planet where everyone has to wear a hat!Benn-Red Knight, copyright 1968, first American edition, hard cover, DUST JACKET, written and illustrated by David McKee. In this delightful story, Mr Benn finds himself transported into a medieval world where he assists an unfortunate dragon whose role as firelighter to the king is threatened by a greedy matchmaker.