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Giles Andreae |
Giles Andreae’s first children’s book, Rumble in the Jungle, was an instant hit and has been followed by several bestselling sequels, including Commotion in the Ocean and Dinosaurs Galore. The Lion Who Wanted to Love won the Red House Best Picture Book Award in 1998, as did Pants in 2003, whilst Giraffes Can’t Dance has become established as an international children’s classic. Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs, with multi award-winning illustrator Russell Ayto, is also a bestseller. The sequel, Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs: Missing Treasure is published in June. Giles’s children’s books have, to date, sold more than 2 million copies, making him one of the most successful children’s authors working today.
Giles Andreae is also the creator of Purple Ronnie, Britain’s favourite stickman. This phenomenally successful cartoon character has made Giles the country’s top selling living poet and an icon of contemporary popular culture.
Giles lives with his wife, Victoria, a children’s clothes designer, and their four young children in Notting Hill and Cornwall.
Place and date of birth:
London 16.03.1966
Favourite book:
Yertle the Turtle by Dr Seuss
Favourite song:
You Need Skin
Favourite film:
This is Spinal Tap
Most treasured possession:
A bronze cast of my first child’s feet made when he was 10 days old
When did you begin writing?
When I was at primary school
Where do you get your inspiration?
Usually from trying to entertain my own children
Three tips to becoming a successful author:
Read a lot. Write a lot. Write from your heart.
Favourite place:
Brea Beach in North Cornwall. It is spectacularly unspoilt, natural and breath-takingly beautiful.
Hobbies:
Playing with my children. I have 4 of them, so don’t get to do much else when I’m at home!
What would you have been if you weren't an author?
I’d have made a very good cleaner!

