Timbuctoo is a series of 26 children's books, written and illustrated by Roger Hargreaves, better known for his Mr Men series. It was published from 1978–79. The books tell the stories of a group of animals, each of whom is named after the sound that their particular animal makes. An animated series (produced by Flicks Films for Cosgrove Hall Films) of Timbuctoo was shown on CITV, ARBC and CBBC in the mid-90s, narrated by Ronnie Corbett.
The original set of 25 books named after their main character were published in 1978 and 1979, along with two Timbuctoo Annuals. A further set of story books was published in 1979. In 1997 some books were reprinted with new illustrations to accompany the television show, along with a new character, Bray.
Four of the books (Woof, Trumpet, Buzz and Oink) were republished in 1993.
There was also a set of 'Timbuctoo Shape Books' released, including Oink, Neigh, Growl, Roar, Squeak, Trumpet, Cluck and Puff
Bray was released as an addition to the reprint of all the previous stories in the original set, which were printed, with new illustrations, to accompany the TV series.
In 1998 the TV show ran for two series based on characters of books; the first later released on VHS as Neigh Finds a New Home and Other Stories, and Series 2 released as Woof has Forgotten How to Bark and Other Stories.