‘Uncle Buckle – inventor extraordinaire’ is a picture book by Cyril Hobbins, which was published in 2024, and is aimed at primary-school age children, telling the story of an inventor who creates engineering marvels.
Read more: A tribute to the great Kenilworth author, artist, photographer and master toy maker, Cyril Hobbins
Uncle Buckle’s contraptions take him along the ground and into the air, powered by steam, petrol and sometimes simply manpower. Anything that finds its way into his workshop can be recycled into something new.
Cyril, who died in 2025, was one of life’s enthusiasts, who spent much of his life bringing joy to others.
His nearly nine decades held much variety, from a wartime childhood, through carpentry and joinery to teaching, social work and some special years as a toy maker.
He was also invited to Hollywood by Disney to help promote the re-mastered Pinocchio.
Uncle Buckle was his first and only foray into digital artwork after a lifetime of creating everything from homes to theatre sets and from pointillist portraits to Pinocchio.
Cyril was a well-known figure in Kenilworth, where he enjoyed street photography and was often found in one of his favourite coffee shops.
Previously speaking about his book, Cyril said: “I’ve written Uncle Buckle for the kind of child I was, perhaps a little shy and a bit bookish, but with an imagination that took me to other worlds.
“I began to read at a very young age and loved working out what long words meant, so the story isn’t dumbed down for my young audience.”
Candy Evans, of Spring View Publications, said: “Cyril and I worked together on several projects and I was proud to call him a friend.
“Uncle Buckle was almost a community effort as Cyril was inspired by local artist Chris Saunderson – on whom Uncle Buckle is based – and encouraged to pull the pictures together in a book by Michelle of Castle Home Luxuries in Smalley Place.
“Cyril was very keen to have the book available to all children through Kenilworth Library but sadly did not live to see this.
“It’s great the book is now available, following support from Cllr Alison Insley and Cllr Richard Dickson. The book is kept in the reference section of Kenilworth Library, so children will need to read it within the library itself.”
Judy Brook, of Kenilworth Books, added: “We are always keen to give local authors the opportunity to showcase their books and are pleased to have Cyril’s book on the shelves at Kenilworth Books.”
A long-time friend of Cyril’s, Nick Green said: “Cyril was a true Kenilworthian and the release of ‘Uncle Buckle’ will be a great tribute to him and his family.
“As I gradually got to know him, he would tell me many of his life stories, which were truly amazing. He certainly came from a different era to most of us.
“It was a pleasure for me to forward his name for a future street name to Kenilworth Town Council, who gave it their full support.”
Uncle Buckle is also available to order online at: springview.uk as well as at Castle Home Luxuries (near the library) and Kenilworth Books in Talisman Square.
