Puffin at Penguin Books Australia

Nigel Gray

Nigel Gray was born in Ireland on 9 April 1941 and grew up in England. His early years were spent in foster homes and a children's home, and he never knew there were such things as picture books. When he was older, Nigel taught himself to read and later went to university, obtaining a Bachelor and a Master of Arts. He devoted his time to trying to help people he perceived as suffering injustice or oppression, and somtimes found himself in prison for his efforts. He first wrote for adults, but later began writing for children as well. Nigel's books are full of ideas, and he fervently believes that every individual should try to leave the world a little better than he or she found it. He is the author of over 50 books, has won many awards, and his work has been translated into 17 languages. Nigel has 4 children and 2 grandchildren. In 1988 he migrated to Western Australia and built a beautiful bush home in the hills near Perth. Nigel works straight onto a computer and he likes to do lots of drafts with long periods between. This allows him to have several projects on the go at the same time and enalbes him to look at things with fresh eyes when he comes back to them. "Meanwhile", he says, "other ideas swirl around in the cesspit of my mind... or wherever these things happen, until some rise to the surface and are ready to be scooped off." Nigel tells kids: "The most important part of writing comes before you begin. You must take time to think and plan. My advice is never to begin writing until you know how your story will end. Otherwise it's like wandering off into the bush without being prepared or knowing where you are going. Chances are that you will get lost. I also believe that you'll only produce your best if you write about what you know. This advice is nearly always ignored, but if you write about an alien don't write about going to another planet to meet it."

Available titles:

Jake & The Mermaid

Sun, Sea, Crab & Me