To celebrate World Book Day we asked our artists to illustrate their favourite children's book character. From Obelix to Mary Poppins, their early literary heroes came flooding in, along with their memories and inspiration.  We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Hannah George - Obelix

'Being a bit of a tomboy when I was growing up, I loved reading the adventures Asterix and Obelix. Obelix was my favourite. Despite not being the smartest of Gauls he had a huge heart to match his mighty strength and belly alike!' 

Sarah Dennis - Mary Poppins

'I discovered Mary Poppins as a child. As an adult, I have revisited the stories and discovered a whole new world of delightful tales making her, for me, one of the best characters in literature and film.'

Anna Hymas - Pippi Longstocking

'Pippi is a favourite character in our home as she's quirky, funny, makes the best of life and is super strong!'

Ben Scruton - Tintin

'As a kid I wanted to be an explorer and Tintin’s adventures fuelled this passion. Despite the books having old fashioned and sometimes questionable views of the world, they fed my curiosity of exotic cultures and destinations.'

Zoe Sadler - Mr Tumnus

'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' was one of my favourite books as a child. I always wanted to be Lucy and have adventures with Mr Tumnus when I was growing up. I also used to check my wardrobe just in case!'

Paul Boston - Tiger Nanny

'When I was a child and I had a serious case of flu, the story Tiger Nanny was read on TV all week. I remember the music and a woman saying "Now...Tiger Nanny..." and then I would sink back into my delirium. Something about my high temperature etched it on my mind.'