Judith Kerr
Why I write: Usually, so that I can do the illustrations. More
Charlotte’s Web
Considered a classic of children’s literature; a novel of friendship, love, life, and death. More
Collins Reference and Education
William Collins spent his earliest years teaching before starting his publishing venture in 1819. More
The Carrot Seed
An early classic in children’s literature about perseverance; never out of print. More
1902: Collins publishes the first Gem…
Collins publishes the first Gem, a Pocket Pronouncing Dictionary that has 608 pages and is 2½" x 4½" in size. More
The Boy in the Dress
The sharp and funny first novel for children from bestselling publishing phenomenon David Walliams. More
Jackie French
I write for kids because each book builds kids’ intelligence. It’s muscle-building for the brain. More
The Diary of a Wombat
Genesis of a picture book franchise that has sold more than half a million copies globally. More
Flat Stanley
This series celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 2014 and has sold more than one million copies. More
1839: Collins receives a license to publish the King James Version of the Bible
Collins receives a license to publish the King James Version of the Bible. More
Robin Preiss Glasser
New Naturalists
William Collins V (known as Billy Collins) and the printers AdPrint came up with the idea of the New Naturalist Library in 1942.
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A planning meeting at Collins Canada, circa 1940s
In this photograph, Charles H. Sweeny, Editorial and Production, F. F. Appleton, publisher (center), and Margaret V. Paull, staff artist and typographer, plan the first Canadian production of Little Grey Rabbit Books. More
1936: Collins is the first major publishing house to create its own font…
Collins is the first major publishing house to create its own font. More
Letter from E. B. White regarding Stuart Little
B. White (Andy) writes to his editor Eugene Saxton (Gene), presenting his manuscript for Stuart Little... More
Michael Bond
I was brought up in a house where books were an essential part of the furnishings. More
Caps for Sale
Longtime classic about a peddler and a band of mischievous monkeys. More
Original artwork suggested by Syd Hoff for Danny and the Dinosaur
Illustrator Syd Hoff sent these sketches to Ursula Nordstrom, head of the U.S. Harper Children’s division, as suggestions for the now-classic Danny and the Dinosaur. More
The Giving Tree
Poignant, game-changing picture book for readers of all ages that has been a favorite for generations. More
Original cover artwork for a 1965 edition of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
This original illustration by Italian artist Giorgio de Gasperi was used as cover art for a 1965 edition of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe published by Collins in the U.K. More
Jane O’Connor
I really have no hobbies—nearly all of my leisure time is spent with a good book. More
A Light in the Attic
Classic collection of poems and illustrations by Shel Silverstein; ALA Notable Children’s Book. More
Publishing Firsts: Fontana
In 1936 Collins became the first major publishing house to create its own font. More
Danny and the Dinosaur
I Can Read! classic that was named a 1958 New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year. More
Little Bear
The very first I Can Read! book has sold more than one million copies. More
Incidents of Travel in Yucatán
In 1839, American diplomat John Lloyd Stephens and British artist Frederick Catherwood—both already celebrated for their adventures in Egypt, the Holy Land, Greece, and Rome—sailed together out of New York harbor on an expedition into the forbidding rain forests of present-day Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. More
Harry the Dirty Dog
Classic dog story; childhood favorite that has charmed readers for more than fifty years. More