Spot Turns 30!

Spot Turns 30!

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the world's most lovable puppy.

Since Spot bounded into print 30 years ago, he has become a global publishing phenomenon. Eric Hill's award winning book Where's Spot? was first published to great acclaim in 1980 and its simple story, charming, colourful illustrations and innovative lift-the-flap concept contuse to capture the hearts of children throughout the world.

Spot has enjoyed record-breaking sales of over 50 million books, published in 65 languages in over 100 countries, and has since expanded into television, DVD's and online making Spot a truly globe-trotting puppy.

Warne will be launching a range of exciting Spot books in 2010, including new and re-originated editions to celebrate this milestone, including a special teal-foiled anniversary edition of Where's Spot?

Spot Goes to the Park (board book) Jan RRP$12.95
Spot Goes to the Farm (board book) Jan RRP$12.95
Spot's Busy Day Sticker Book (paperbook) Jan RRP$7.95
Spot's Fun-Time Colouring Book (paperback) Jan RRP$7.95
Where's Spot 30th Anniversary Edition Feb RRP$19.95
Spot's Birthday Balloon (board book) Feb RRP$16.95
Hello Spot: Buggy Book Feb RRP$9.95
Spot Loves His Friends (board book)March RRP$12.95
Spot's First Easter (board book) March RRP$12.95
Spot's First Easter (paperback) March RRP$14.95
Spot's First Easter (hardback) April RRP$19.95
Spot Goes on Holiday April RRP$19.95
Spot's Little Library April RRP$9.95
Spot's Hide and Seek (board book) May RRP$14.95
Time for Bed Spot (board book) May RRP$14.95

Eric Hill was born in 1927 and is the creator of Spot, 'the world's favourite puppy'. At 16 he joined an art studio, where he was encouraged to draw cartoons in his spare time. He particularly enjoyed drawing aircraft, and it was the markings of planes that later came to influence the design of Spot, reflected in the spots on his body and the tip of his tail. Eric also spent time in the air force, and worked in a large advertising agency as a graphic designer.

In 1976 Eric's son Christopher was born and by the time he was two, Eric was making up stories about the adventures of a small puppy to read to him at bedtime and Spot was born! The design of the books was inspired by an advertising flyer Eric had devised involving a flap covering an amusing picture. When Eric showed this to Christopher he saw how responsive he was to the idea and incorporated it into his book. Although initially created just as a story to please his son, Where's Spot? was actually published as a children's book in 1980 and started a new publishing concept of 'interactive books for babies'.

Eric also has a daughter, Jane, who now works very closely with her father on many Spot projects. Eric remains involved in the development of all Spot projects at every stage. He and his wife Gillian divide their time between California and France with a varied collection of animals which provide continual inspiration for the Spot stories.

Eric was one of the 'literary ambassadors' invited to The Children's Party at the Palace to commemorate The Queen's 80th birthday at Buckingham Palace in June 2006. The highlight of Eric's career was followed with the award of an O.B.E. for services to children's literature in the 2008 New Year's Honours List.

"I believe it's the sense of fun that makes the book so popular. When he shows excitement on Christmas Day and cries 'Yippee', that's me in there. I love the character, he's my buddy and I'm at ease with him. Subconsciously I see things from the dog's point of view, so Spot is within me." - Eric Hill.