Peacock Pie (1923) by Walter de la Mare, illustrated by W. Heath Robinson, is a whimsical and enchanting collection of children’s poetry that dances between playful charm and eerie mystery. De la Mare’s verses—ranging from nonsensical riddles to haunting lullabies—capture the imagination with their lyrical precision and vivid imagery, evoking a world where fairies, ghosts, and mischievous animals dwell just beyond the ordinary.
The magic is amplified by W. Heath Robinson’s delightful pen-and-ink illustrations, which brim with his trademark wit and intricate detail. Known for his fantastical contraptions and gently absurd humor, Robinson brings de la Mare’s verses to life with scenes of moonlit revelries, peculiar characters, and dreamlike landscapes. Together, text and art create a timeless treasury that appeals to both children and adults, celebrating the uncanny beauty of childhood’s inner world.
A classic of early 20th-century children’s literature, Peacock Pie remains a testament to the power of poetry to delight and unsettle in equal measure—especially in this beloved edition where de la Mare’s words and Robinson’s art unite in perfect harmony.
