Eric Hill author page

Eric Hill biography

Eric Hill was a British author and illustrator best known for creating the beloved children’s character Spot the Dog. Born on September 7, 1927, in Holloway, London, Hill left school at the age of 14 and began working as an errand boy in an illustration studio, where he was encouraged to develop his drawing skills. After serving in the Royal Air Force, he worked as a cartoonist and later as a freelance designer and illustrator in advertising.

In 1976, inspired by his son Christopher’s fascination with lift-the-flap designs, Hill created a story about a puppy named Spot. This concept led to the publication of Where’s Spot? in 1980 by Frederick Warne & Co. The book’s innovative interactive format and simple illustrations quickly made it a favorite among young readers. The success of Where’s Spot? launched a series of Spot books, which have sold over 60 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 60 languages.

Hill’s work extended beyond books; Spot became the subject of animated television series and various merchandise. In recognition of his contributions to children’s literacy, Hill was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2008. He passed away on June 6, 2014, in California at the age of 86.