The conscious intention to create a Disney-style sympathetic focus character — a European Mickey Mouse — was reportedly a major factor. Beek's death in 1953 led to a few new illustrators for the Noddy books, amongst which was his assistant Peter Wienk.
The conscious decision to develop a Disney-style empathetic protagonist, a European version of Mickey Mouse, was a significant driving force. Following Beek's passing in 1953, several new illustrators were brought on board for the Noddy books, with Peter Wienk being one of them.