David McKee 
Mr Benn – Gladiator 

Mr Benn always visits a costume shop, chooses a costume and goes through a special door. Then, as if by magic, he can travel to the era represented by the costume. This time he choosesa gladiator costume . . . and he is transported to Ancient Rome. But he has forgotten that gladiators fought one another. When the Emperor spots Mr Benn, he has him carried off to the arena. The worried gladiators there explain that they must fight, even though fighting is wrong. Will it be thumbs down for the alternative entertainment Mr Benn proposes?

About the author

David Mc Kee (1935 – 2022) was the creator of well-known characters including King Rollo, 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 College, where he had a traditional training. On leaving college he drew regularly for Punch, Reader’s Digest, and The Times Educational Supplement. His drawings were influenced especially by Saul Steinberg and Andre Francois. In 2020, David won the British Book Awards Illustrator of the Year Award and Book Trust’s Lifetime Achievement Award.