 The first Wombles book was published in 1968, illustrated by Margaret Gordon (who illustrated all the early Wombles books and defined their distinct appearance).After it was broadcast on "Jackanory", the BBC decided to make an animated series.The Wombles' motto, "Make Good Use of Bad Rubbish," and their passion for recycling was far ahead of its time, and captured the imagination of children, who began to organise "Womble Clearing Up Groups".