Some readers loved the book's charm and unique story, while others did not see it as being morally acceptable for a young child to read, as the subject of burglary is taken fairly light-heartedly without serious consequences. The striking simplicity of Bill's burgling outfit – a black mask and cap and a striped shirt – has made Burglar Bill a popular party or Halloween costume choice. Janet sadly died in 1994, but Allan has gone on to work with other illustrators and is still producing lots of new books. I remember reading this book as a child and I am sorry to say that I did not enjoy reading it again as an adult. Allan Ahlberg is one of the UK's most acclaimed and successful authors of children's books - including the best-selling Jolly Postman series.

The book also illustrates that burglars will do ‘good’ if they give everything-they ever stole-back to their victims and will receive no retribution and even go on to get a job, get married and live happy lives. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. We have enjoyed Peepo, Funnybones, Each Peach Pear Plum, The Jolly Postman, Please Mrs Butler, and the wonderful Happy Families stories.

Janet Ahlberg (21 October 1944 – 13 November 1994), née Janet Hall, and Allan Ahlberg (born 5 June 1938) were a British married couple who created many children's books, including picture books that regularly appear at the top of "most popular" lists for public libraries. Warning: this book may encourage children to become burglars purely from an excessive delight in the world and all its manufactured goodness. I found it quite amusing, with its blithe acceptance of Burglar Bill's crime sprees, and its tale of lifestyle reformation. Soon he also has a lady love, in the form of Burglar Betty, leading to some surprising changes in all of their lives.

Originally published in 1977, and recommended to me by an online friend, Burglar Bill is only the second picture-book I have read from Janet and Allan Ahlberg, following upon their classic Each Peach Pear Plum. Bright illustrations (if somewhat stereotypical, with Burglars Bill and Betty in stripy shirts, eye masks and carrying swag bags! As Author’s I really love Janet and Allan Ahlberg especially their poetry writing such as, ‘Please Mrs Butler’ and the ‘Happy Families’ volumes.Many of his books were collaborations with his wife, Janet, an illustrator, and they quickly became one of Britain’s leading author/illustrator teams. It's such an oddball story as Burglar Bill lives upto his name and pinches anything he fancies, including a box with a big surprise. She just left him on the door step while she was busy burgling and the next thing she knew, he'd gone. We read it last night, and the kid loved it so much that he insisted we read it again first thing this morning.