David McKee’s economically told story of how the Toucan might have got his name looks as fresh today as when it was first published over fifty years ago. At the beginning, Toucan is all black and, laughed at by the other animals, leaves the jungle to find his fortune. He journeys across luridly colourful landscapes, a conspicuous blot of black, and takes up a number of different jobs until he finds one he likes, carrying cans. Two cans is no problem for him, and he earns the nickname ‘Two Can’. Overreaching himself trying to carry three cans leads to a paint spill and new colourful plumage. McKee’s unstated, surreal humour is as distinctive as his graphic style, and this is a book to delight readers of all ages. ~ Andrea Reece
There was once a bird in the forest that was completely black, except for his white eyes, who was laughed at by all the other animals because he did not have a name. So he goes to seek his fortune - and perhaps find a name!
A modern fable that answers the question "How did the toucan get its name?" - and also incidentally his amazing colours!
David McKee (1935 - 2022) was the creator of well-known characters including King Rolo, Mr Benn and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, which is now published in more than 60 languages and has its own successful global merchandise programme. David was born in Devon and went to Plymouth Art Colege, where he had a traditional training. On leaving co lege he drew regularly for Punch, Reader’s Digest, and The Times Educational Supplement. His drawings were influenced especia ly by Saul Steinberg and Andre Francois. In 2020, David won the British Book Awards Illustrator of the Year Award and BookTrust’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
