Susan Beatrice Pearse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Susan Beatrice Pearce
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The illustrator of the Ameliaranne books
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| Born | 19 January 1878 Kennington, London, England |
| Died | 2 January 1980 (aged 101) Parsons Green, London, England |
| Occupation | Illustrator |
| Nationality | English |
| Period | 20th century |
| Genre | Children's Literature |
Susan Beatrice Pearse (born January 19, 1878 – died 1980) was a talented British artist. She was famous for illustrating children's books, especially the popular Ameliaranne series. Her drawings brought many stories to life for young readers.
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The Life of Susan Beatrice Pearse
Susan Beatrice Pearse was born in Kennington, a part of South London, England. She went to King Edward's School in Southwark for her education.
In late 1919, she married another artist named Walter Ernest Webster. Even after getting married, she continued to use her maiden name, Susan B. Pearse, for her professional work. Her friends knew her as 'Trissy' Webster.
Her Artistic Journey
Susan Pearse was best known for her charming illustrations in the Ameliaranne children's books. But she also created other beautiful artwork. She designed pictures for greeting cards, and often included drawings of dolls in her work.
Later in her life, Susan B. Pearse Webster lived in a village called Blewbury in Berkshire. This village, about 50 miles west of London, was a popular place for writers and artists. Famous authors like Kenneth Grahame, who wrote The Wind in the Willows, also lived there.
Susan Pearse passed away at her home in London on January 2, 1980. She was almost 102 years old, having lived a very long and creative life.
The Ameliaranne Book Series
The Ameliaranne books were a special series of 20 children's stories. They were published by George G. Harrap in London between 1920 and 1950. What made this series unique was that eight different authors wrote the stories, but Susan B. Pearse was the only illustrator for all of them.
Who is Ameliaranne?
Ameliaranne Stiggins was the main character. She was the oldest child of Mrs. Stiggins, a poor washerwoman who had five other children. The stories are simple tales about Ameliaranne facing new or tricky situations. She always used her imagination and cleverness to solve problems.
Even though different women wrote the books, the stories felt very consistent. The real magic of the series came from Susan B. Pearse's lovely illustrations. Her drawings were very expressive and helped tell the story, as the text in the books was quite short.
List of Ameliaranne Books
Here are some of the Ameliaranne books, all illustrated by Susan B. Pearse:
- Ameliaranne and the Green Umbrella by Constance Heward (1920)
- Ameliaranne keeps Shop by Constance Heward (1928)
- Ameliaranne, Cinema Star by Constance Heward (1929)
- Ameliaranne in Town by Natalie Joan (1930)
- Ameliaranne at the Circus by Margaret Gilmour (1931)
- Ameliaranne and the big Treasure by Natalie Joan (1932)
- Ameliaranne's Prize Package by Eleanor Farjeon (1933)
- Ameliaranne's Washing Day by Eleanor Farjeon (1934)
- Ameliaranne at the Seaside by Margaret Gilmour (1935)
- Ameliaranne at the Zoo by K.L. Thompson (1936)
- Ameliaranne at the Farm by Constance Heward (1937)
- Ameliaranne gives a Party by Constance Heward (1938)
- Ameliaranne Camps Out by Constance Heward (1939)
- Ameliaranne keeps School by Constance Heward (1940)
- Ameliaranne Goes Touring by Constance Heward (1941)
- Ameliaranne and the Jumble Sale by Eileen Osborne (1943)
- Ameliaranne gives a Concert by Margaret Gilmour (1944)
- Ameliaranne Bridesmaid by Ethelberta Morris (1946)
- Ameliaranne goes Digging by Lorna Wood (1948)
- Ameliaranne's Moving Day by Ethelberta Morris (1950)
In 1966, some of the Ameliaranne stories were shown on the BBC children's TV show 'Jackanory'. The British actress Sheila Hancock read them aloud.
Other Books Illustrated by Susan Pearse
Besides the Ameliaranne series, Susan B. Pearse also illustrated other well-known books:
- The Magic Fishbone: A Holiday Romance From the Pen of Miss Alice Rainbird, Aged 7, by Charles Dickens
- The Trial of William Tinkling, Written by Himself at the Age of 8 Years, by Charles Dickens
- The Twins and Tabiffa: Constance Heward
- The Ice Maiden, by Hans Christian Andersen. This edition from around 1905 included eight color pictures by Susan B. Pearse.
