Ernest A. (Ernest Alfred) Aris

Born in Islington, London, in 1882, Ernest A. Aris grew up partly in Bradford, where he studied at Bradford Technical College School of Art and earned his diploma in 1900. He later continued his training at the Royal College of Art in London, building the strong drawing skills that would support a long career in publishing.

Aris became a remarkably productive author and illustrator of children’s books, especially stories about animals and the natural world. Sources describe him as having written and illustrated around 170 books of his own, while also providing illustrations for many more titles by other writers. His work was playful, clear, and easy for young readers to enjoy, which helped make him a familiar name in children’s publishing.

Alongside books, he also worked more broadly as a commercial artist, creating imagery for things like postcards and other printed material. Today he is remembered both for his own stories and for the cheerful, characterful illustrations that brought so many nursery and animal tales to life.