F.C., having grown up in the neighbouring town to West Bromwich. Recognition Beside the two Greenaway Medals, Janet Ahlberg was a "Commended" runner up three times, for Burglar Bill (1977), The Baby's Catalogue (1982), and The Jolly Postman (1986). According to Allan, their daughter Jessica inspired the latter two, and his own "Burglar Bill" book is autobiographical, The Boyhood of Burglar Bill (Puffin, 2007). A football story set in war-ravaged England, Boyhood made the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize shortlist. Allan appeared as a castaway on the BBC Radio programme Desert Island Discs on 14 November 2008. He described their work together, her illness and death, and the creation of Janet's Last Book. From July to September 2011, Janet and Allan's work was celebrated at The Public arts centre in Sandwell (which encompasses Allan's hometown Oldbury). The exhibition included works by schoolchildren with local artists "in response to" Ahlberg stories. In July 2014, Allan Ahlberg declined the (inaugural) Booktrust Best Book Awards 'Lifetime Achievement Award' (which has a 5000 GBP prize attached). He cited ethical grounds related to the award's principal sponsor Amazon.com. In a letter to The Bookseller he stated that "Booktrust does good work and has a well-deserved reputation ... For my part, the idea that my "lifetime achievement"— i.e. the books (and all of Janet's work too)—should have the Amazon tag attached to it is unacceptable." Allan Ahlberg sits on the Council of the Society of Authors. Selected works By Janet and Allan Ahlberg Bookseller World mentions about 80 "UK First Editions Books" by Janet and Allan. Five series comprise more than 40 books, none published by Kestrel or Viking; 35 singletons include 8 published by Kestrel (a Viking imprint) from 1976 to 1983, and 12 published by Viking from 1984 to 1994. Brick Street Boys (Collins, 1975) — five volumes The Old Joke Book (Kestrel, 1976) — board book Burglar Bill (Heinemann, 1977) — board book Jeremiah in the Dark Woods (Kestrel, 1977) — board book The Vanishment of Thomas Tull (Black, 1977) — with dust jacket Cops and Robbers (Heinemann, 1978) Each Peach Pear Plum (Kestrel, 1978) The One and Only Two Heads (Collins, 1979) Son of a Gun (Heinemann, 1979) The Little Worm Book (Granada, 1979) Two Wheels Two Heads (Collins, 1979) Funny Bones (Heinemann, 1980) A Pair of Sinners (Granada, 1980) Happy Families (Puffin, 1980) Peepo! (also released as Peek-A-Boo! in a US version)