The Book, Cat, & Cat Book Lovers Almanac

of historical trivia regarding books, cats, and other animals. Actually this blog has evolved so that it is described better as a blog about cats in history and culture. And we take as a theme the advice of Aldous Huxley: If you want to be a writer, get some cats. Don't forget to see the archived articles linked at the bottom of the page.

December 3, 2014

December 3, 1920

Sheila Kathleen McCullagh (December 3, 1920 to July 7, 2014) was a children's author.  Born in Surrey, her home was finally in Cornwall.  According to Contemporary Authors Online her resume includes her positions at

University of Leeds Institute of Education, Leeds, Yorkshire, England, lecturer, 1949-57; Educational Clinic, London, Ontario, lecturer, 1958-60; Teacher's College, London, Ontario, staff member, 1960-63...

From 1963 she was able to be a  full-time author.  Here is a fellow professional's take on her work:

Tim and the Hidden People by Sheila K McCullagh is a 1970s reading scheme originally devised for young children 4-7 yrs. It consists of 32 books, each 32 pages long and illustrated by Pat Cook and later Ray Mutimer. There are also four lesser known paperback "novella" books intended for older readers. ...

The Tim books are about a boy called Tim who lives in a house in The Yard. The books begin with Tim finding a key which enables him to see the Hidden People, he befriends Tobias the black cat and has many adventures.


Of course she wrote many other books, and in fact won an MBE, a high honor in Britain.

And here is an illustration from one of her books.




Her funeral notice describes McCullagh as: "Much loved companion of Lois, aunt of Michael and teacher of reading to millions through her books."

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