Candy Jar Books has announced the upcoming release of 100 Objects of ‘90s Children’s TV, a mammoth publication celebrating a whole decade of kids’ television, and including a chapter on Doctor Who during its “wilderness years”. It also features looks at Russell T Davies’ Dark Season and Steven Moffat’s Press Gang. How do I know that? I was lucky enough to proof-edit it!
The book plunges readers back to the 1990s, wrapping them in the nostalgic warmth of an era that brought us such icons as Arthur, The Powerpuff Girls, Reboot, Hey Arnold!, Fireman Sam, Rugrats, The Treacle People, Art Attack, Come Outside, and SM:TV Live.
Oh, and Mr Blobby.
Author, Thom Gray takes us on a journey through the pre-Millennium televisual landscape, told through one-hundred chapters, with shows and genres represented through select ‘objects’ such as the paintball gun that blinded PJ in Byker Grove; the magical 50p from The Queen’s Nose; the equally mystical William’s Wish Wellingtons; the terrifying Forfeit Furnace from Get Your Own Back; and Mildred Hubble’s Broomstick.
Shaun Russell, Head of Publishing at Candy Jar Books, says:
“I actually worked behind the scenes on TV for twenty-five years, so thought I knew everything there was to know about this period. Then I looked through Thom’s incredible book and found out loads of new information! It’s a really fascinating read, which I know will bring back lots of lovely memories for readers – whether they were children themselves in the 1990s or are parents remembering when their kids were sat too close to the TV during Grange Hill.”
100 Objects of ‘90s Children’s TV features contributions from Sir Tony Robinson (Maid Marian and Her Merry Men); Pat Sharp (Fun House); best-selling author Mark Billingham; Anne Wood (Rosie & Jim, Teletubbies); Tim Whitnall (Mike & Angelo); Paul Abbott (Children’s Ward); Gareth Jones (How 2); Matthew Robinson (Byker Grove); Mike Jupp (The Dreamstone); Andrew Norriss (Bernard’s Watch); and many more.
Thom enthuses:
“Growing up, I had many TV favourites which shaped my childhood and no doubt the childhoods of millions of other ‘90s kids, be it a whimsical puppet show, nail-biting drama, or chaotic game show. Yet despite the quality of the programmes the ‘90s had to offer, I feel the decade is rarely acknowledged within the history of children’s TV, overlooked in favour of the ‘golden era’ of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. This book offers children of the ‘90s (and those who missed all the fun the first time round) a chance to reconnect with the last great decade of kids’ TV, featuring exclusive contributions from those who were there at the time.
“It’s been incredibly nostalgic for me to rediscover the shows that shaped my childhood, but also fascinating to hear the stories behind their creation and production. So, whether you grew up with Otis the Aardvark and Mr Blobby, or were born just a bit too late, I hope this book gives ‘90s fans an enjoyable trip down memory lane!”
The book also features a stunning cover and interior illustrations by Martin Baines, and a foreword by former Live & Kicking presenter, Steve Wilson. He writes:
“What this book captures so brilliantly is that children’s television was never just background noise. It shaped generations. Those shows are far more than just something we watched to pass the time. They are time machines… Back then, millions of us watched the same things together, at exactly the same time, and those programmes became part of our shared national identity. I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced it both as a viewer and as a presenter.”
The book is the second in Candy Jar’s 100 Objects range, the first of which was my 100 Objects of Dr Who. I’ve actually known Thom since school, though I had no idea he’d not only read my book but pitched and written a follow-up! I couldn’t imagine anyone more suited to writing 100 Objects of ‘90s Children’s TV than Thom. He absolutely revels in that era and his passion for it really rubs off. I always view the ‘90s with rose-tinted glasses, and, having proofed Thom’s book, I was sent back there before returning with a huge grin on my face. A joy.
Here’s the blurb for 100 Objects of ‘90s Children’s TV:
100 Objects of ‘90s Children’s TV is a celebratory romp through the last great decade of British kids’ telly.
Using one hundred inanimate (and occasionally imaginary) everyday items, previously untold stories are revealed about our favourite pre-Millennium childhood puppets, programmes, and presenters. Until now, retrospectives on children’s television have focused primarily on the perceived ‘golden age’ of the 1950s to the 1980s, leaving children’s television of the 1990s overlooked or forgotten. But for those who grew up with Wizadora, PJ & Duncan, Otis the Aardvark, and Mildred Hubble, those memories have never gone away.
Thirty years on, it’s time to at last revisit those halcyon days.
