About the Author

Russell Hoban is the author of more than sixty books including the children's books, How Tom Beat Captain Najork and His Hired Sportsmen and A Near Thing for Captain Najork. p>Quentin Blake is one of the UK's cultural treasures. He has written and illustrated dozens of books and provided pictures for hundreds more, including the children's novels of Roald Dahl.

Reviews

Praise for How Tom Beat Captain Najork and His Hired Sportsmen and A Near Thing for Captain Najork "There has never been a better time for the resurrection of two classics by the Lennon and McCartney of children's books . . . the pictures, classic Blake, mix vulnerability, energy and mayhem, the words always challenge and surprise"--The Times "A perfect combination of words and illustration, it's everything a picture book should be."--Irish Times "Rarely has a reissue been more timely than this reminder that learning comes in many forms, and that childhood play is never a waste of time."--The Guardian "A triumph from an unerringly eccentric double act."--The Observer "The duo's 1975 riotous tribute to the triumphs of 'fooling around' "--Daily Telegraph "The trademark tremulous contour lines of Quentin Blake's colourful illustrations inject energy and excitement into this madcap adventure."--Children's Books Ireland, Recommended Read "The partnership between author and illustrator is almost perfect, their resourcefulness in making such absurdity so natural almost the equal of the boy Tom in his creation of the two-seater, jam-powered frog."--The Times