A unique celebration of David Wood’s creative collaborations and cherished friendships with three legendary children’s writers —two of whom are also fondly remembered for their remarkable talent for illustration.

This book brings together correspondence and personal recollections that chronicle the development of Wood’s acclaimed stage adaptations of Judith Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Philippa Pearce’s Tom’s Midnight Garden, as well as his endeavours to create a television animation series based on Kathleen Hale’s Orlando the Marmalade Cat.

Revealed in fascinating detail are the working practices of these three grandes dames of children’s literature as they join forces with Wood—hailed as ‘the national children’s dramatist’—to bring their beloved stories to stage or screen. Their witty, insightful letters and thoughtful annotations sparkle with humour and enthusiasm, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process. Wood’s sensitive and respectful approach to adapting their work lays the foundation for enduring friendships.