The Ning of Nong. by Lewis Cooper

I was reading Spike's 1959 'Silly verse for kids.' (Yes, I'm still waiting to grow up). The poem is still one of the nations favorites, it's among the top ten poems taught at primary school. Wondering how to illustrate this, I've used a 'king' type (or should it be 'Ning' type) flying around reacting to all the noise. I've put plasters over his horse-thing's ears. Only when I finished did I realise it would have been better to give it normal ears with plugs in...like the King...err Ning. I've no idea how to illustrate a tree going 'ping'.

Love it Lew , good silly fun .

Great job Lew for this wonderfully bonkers poem. Love the passively worried look on the face of the Ning!

Brilliant verse and brilliant depiction Lewis

Great combination poetry and painting. Can't wait for the Yonghy Bonghy-Bo.

Superb Lew , Spike Milligan one of the all time greats .

The painting suits the poem perfectly Lewis.

A great illustration, Lewis - so clever!

Brilliant Image for a brilliant man Lewis.

We bought this book for our son years ago, brilliant book. I used it myself in schools, happy memories.

Brilliant Lewis, you and Spike make a good team!

Such great nonsense Lewis, of which we need much more.

First time I’ve heard this poem Lewis, it’s terrific with your illustrations…..brings it to life.

First time I’ve heard this as well. Great fun, love the illustration.

It was a great poem and is a great illustration. Love it!

Great sketch Lewis.

I went to look for the Milligan book - it was called “Unspun socks from a Chicken Laundry” I think. Couldn’t find it but came across “ Biggles on Mystery Island”. This I chose for coming top of the 2nd form at grammar school. I remember the master was horrified. I’m going toread it now, I’ll probably be horrified too!

That's a book I haven't read Marjorie. And the Biggles books didn't appeal to me.

Just to finish off Lewis…my brother is 10 years older than me so he had a stack of books I went on to read, the Biggles books among them, Flash Gordon etc. We often have a laugh about some of the titles - one I remember was “ The Black Dwarf of Mongolia”😂

Wonderful Lewis! You should illustrate children’s books. I’ve used this poem myself in schools.