Big Issue celebrates the life of “Tiger who came to Tea” author Judith Kerr

By John Freeman on May 26, 2017

On sale this week from their street vendors is The Big Issue 1257, which cover features one of the most iconic images in children’s literature: art from Tiger who came to Tea by author Judith Kerr.

Inside, you can read a Letter To My Younger Self by the 93-year-old writer and illustrator, who has lived an incredible life; a Jewish refugee who lived through the Blitz and went on to create some of our best-loved stories.

The Big Issue also interview Betty Boothroyd, the first female Speaker in the House of Commons, who casts her eye over the state we’re in now. Another woman who has lived, it feels, several lives.

The Big Issue 1256 features eight pages of comics

If you’re not a regular reader of The Big Issue, you may also want to grab a copy of last week’s issue from their online store, which features eight pages of comics.

The Big Issue is a magazine sold by homeless and long-term unemployed people. Vendors buy copies for £1.25 and sell for £2.50. They are working, not begging.

Since The Big Issue was launched in 1991 the title has helped thousands of vulnerable people take control of their lives. They currently work with around 2000 individuals across the UK offering them the opportunity to earn a legitimate income; to “help them to help themselves’.

• The Big Issue 1257 is currently available from street vendors across the UK. Issue 1256 is available from the magazine’s online store

With thanks to Smuzz

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.