Partridge said the exhibition showed Bawden’s macabre humour, featuring lots of monsters and animals who met sticky ends.
As the book was made “funny and accessible” to children, she wanted them to be involved, so invited pupils from Putnoe Primary School in Bedford to take part in workshops run by local artist Philippa McDonald.
“They were the first to see the book and now their [own] inspired work is on display,” said Partridge.
The book features seven mythical species of snail, named Domesticks, Animacules, Lovelies, The Giant Tortoise, Big Ben & Little Ben, Aurochs and Heartsease – whose shell is encrusted with precious stones.