The Three Robbers

In this timeless tale, three robbers wearing tall black hats walk the roads at night, terrifying everyone they meet. But one day, they encounter an orphan girl named Tiffany, who isn't scared of them at all...

An ALA Book award winner, this classic story of mystery and suspense celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Written and illustrated by one of the world's most acclaimed and award-winning children's authors, The Three Robbers has been translated into 16 languages and has sold millions of copies since it was first published. Tomi Ungerer has been described as the direct natural descendant of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen and, like all the best fairy tales, The Three Robbers is by turns scary, charming and surprising.

Ages 8-12

“"Watch the children, the subversive is back."--New York Times "Tomi Ungerer has been proving the pen is mightier than the sword for six decades... [A] style marked by great originality of illustrative technique, and a use of language that refused to patronise his young readers."--Dazed & Confused "His work was dark, wild, sometimes frightening. Maurice Sendak, a friend of Ungerer's, thought him the most original children's book writer of his time."--Sunday Telegraph "Has delighted children around the world with his scarily enchanting style."--The Independent "Phaidon Press [...] are in the process of bringing Tomi back into print with a distinction all of their own. In a reprint programme which is being carried out with careful attention to all aspects of printing and design, they have already given us excellent editions of The Three Robbers, Moon Man, Adelaide, the Flying Kangaroo and a handsomely revised and expanded edition of Far Out Isn't Far Enough, while last year they published the first edition in English of Otto."--Books for Keeps "Maurice Sendak described Ungerer's work as passionate and personal - it's marvellous and it's cuckoo and it's that kind of veracity that's always made for good children's literature"--The New York Times, Outside In, Inside Out "You can see his work repeated by lots of illustrators, it's just so strong and graphically interesting, as in The Three Robbers. His images attract both adults and children and I can see the pictures without remembering the titles. It's art - illustration at the highest level."--The Times "Good news for children and fans of illustration alike... This story of three black-hatted, cape-wearing thieves and their unexpected encounter with a little orphan girl has lost none of its charm. It's all inky shadows and night-sky blues, making for a refreshingly dark tale for youngsters... Robbing loot has never looked like so much fun."--Creative Review "Dark and delightful."--Grafik "Tomi Ungerer is highly original. This is a famous book, illustrated in a bold, simple graphic style. The robbers steal a girl called Tiffany, who asks them what they want to do with the money they've accumulated. Suddenly, as if by a miracle, they become good." --Axel Scheffler, author of The Gruffalo, The Times, Saturday Review”

'Ungerer pokes gentle fun at self-important adults who are afraid of anything or anyone who is different or unfamiliar. His ability to capture the absurd [ - ] and inject [ - ] subtle humour make this book a timeless classic which deserves to be available to a whole new audience of children (and adults too).' Outside In, February 2011 'The new editions look fresh and inviting, with creamy backdrop pages, crisp colors, and almost tangible textures. The artwork - with its sleek graphic elements and breathtaking color blends - has an amazingly contemporary feel.' School Library Journal [USA], July 2009 'Ungerer's artwork is distinguished by bright colors and how own distinctive style, and his stories are a beguiling mix of humour, wisdom and worthwhile messages.; Buffalo News [USA], June 2009

Tomi Ungerer is a legend in the world of children s books. Born in Strasbourg in 1931, Tomi landed in New York in 1956 with only $60 in his pocket and a suitcase full of drawings. Overnight he became a star as a caricaturist, illustrator, and children s book author and published more than 140 books for children and adults. In 1998, Tomi was the recipient of the Hans Christian Andersen Award and, in 2003, was named Ambassador for Childhood and Education by the Council of Europe. The Musee Tomi Ungerer opened in 2007 in Strasbourg. Tomi Ungerer died in 2019.

Written and illustrated by one of the world's most acclaimed and award-winning children's authors, The Three Robbers is a timeless tale of mystery and suspense for 4-8 year olds, in which three ferocious thieves are defeated by the guileless logic of an innocent girl.

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