The Jolly Postman | Allan Ahlberg

Allan Ahlberg in his studio in Bath

A recent commission for the Times, photographing childrens' author Allan Ahlberg.

I enjoy the strange sensory sensation that washes over me when I rediscover imagery familiar to me as a child. Just looking at the beautiful illustrations in 'The Hungry Caterpillar' always makes me come over a little peculiar, but in a nice way.

The Jolly Postman

I didn't think I knew who Allan Ahlberg was until I saw the cover of the book 'The Jolly Postman'. All the fun memories rooted deep down in my brain came flooding back. Opening envelopes and reading through other people's letters, nosy fun for children.

In an age of gadgetry, electronic screens and unrivalled visual and auditory stimulation, I wonder whether today's children would experience as much enjoyment reading the Jolly Postman as my generation did. It's odd to think of a future generation growing up and having fond childhood memories of Angry Birds.