Martin Waddell
(Author)
(Author)
Martin Waddell is one of the most prolific and successful children's writers of his time, having written more than one hundred books for children and young adults under his own name, and the pseudonym 'Catherine Sefton'. In general he used the pseudonym for novels which dealt with a more serious subject matter and were written for an older readership, whilst his own name was used for picture books and books for younger readers. He now publishes all his books under his own name. Waddell's books have been published internationally and are loved worldwide. His picture books alone have sold more than 18 million copies.
Born on April 10th, 1941, during a bombing raid on Belfast during the Second World War, Martin's first night of his life was spent under a table in order to be sheltered from the bombs. His family then moved to Newcastle, County Down to escape the air raids on Belfast. As a child, Waddell was read to by his family who were excellent storytellers, due to their theatrical backgrounds. He was always surrounded by books and he believes the love of story grew inside him then. Martin always wanted to be a professional soccer player, and after playing for junior teams at home, he left school at fifteen and signed to Fulham Football Club. His true love for writing meant that he only remained with Fulham for eight months, but his love for soccer never subsided, leading to the popular 'Napper' series and several non-fiction titles about the sport.
Waddell's first published work was a novel for adults entitled Otley (1966). This was the first in a series of comedy thrillers and was subsequently adapted for film, giving him international fame. His first book for children, In a Blue Velvet Dress (1969) was published under his pseudonym.
Martin was caught in a bomb explosion in a Belfast church in 1969 and although not seriously injured, the author was unable to write for six years as a result. His wife therefore returned to teaching, while he stayed home to care for their three young sons. This life-changing experience led to Martin's richest works, such as Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? which is, according to London's Sunday TImes, 'the most perfect children's book ever written or illustrated'.
Martin Waddell resides in Newcastle, County Down, where he has lived for most of his life, writing in a stone barn beside his home. This landscape and setting has inspired many of his works, including The Big Sea, Starry Night, Frankie's Story and The Beat of the Drum.
In 2004 Martin Waddell was honoured with the Hans Christian Anderson Medal, 'the highest international award that can be bestowed upon a writer', in recognition of his lifetime contribution to children's literature. Martin has also won some of the most prestigious book awards, including the Smarties Book Prize on two occasions for Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? (1988) and for Farmer Duck (1991). He has also won the British Book Award's Children's Illustrated Book of the Year for Farmer Duck (1991), Best Babies Book of the Year for Rosie's Babies (1990), the Other Award for Starry Night (1986) and the Kurt Mascher Award for The Park in the Dark (1989).
Other titles which are loved around the globe include Owl Babies, Sailor Bear, Little Bear, Amy Said, Tom Rabbit, Who do you Love?, The Toymaker and Pig in the Pond. Martin Waddell has said that "My books are written for that special island of time at the end of the day. They are for parents and children to share" and one cannot deny that these stories are the perfect treat for bedtime.
Born on April 10th, 1941, during a bombing raid on Belfast during the Second World War, Martin's first night of his life was spent under a table in order to be sheltered from the bombs. His family then moved to Newcastle, County Down to escape the air raids on Belfast. As a child, Waddell was read to by his family who were excellent storytellers, due to their theatrical backgrounds. He was always surrounded by books and he believes the love of story grew inside him then. Martin always wanted to be a professional soccer player, and after playing for junior teams at home, he left school at fifteen and signed to Fulham Football Club. His true love for writing meant that he only remained with Fulham for eight months, but his love for soccer never subsided, leading to the popular 'Napper' series and several non-fiction titles about the sport.
Waddell's first published work was a novel for adults entitled Otley (1966). This was the first in a series of comedy thrillers and was subsequently adapted for film, giving him international fame. His first book for children, In a Blue Velvet Dress (1969) was published under his pseudonym.
Martin was caught in a bomb explosion in a Belfast church in 1969 and although not seriously injured, the author was unable to write for six years as a result. His wife therefore returned to teaching, while he stayed home to care for their three young sons. This life-changing experience led to Martin's richest works, such as Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? which is, according to London's Sunday TImes, 'the most perfect children's book ever written or illustrated'.
Martin Waddell resides in Newcastle, County Down, where he has lived for most of his life, writing in a stone barn beside his home. This landscape and setting has inspired many of his works, including The Big Sea, Starry Night, Frankie's Story and The Beat of the Drum.
In 2004 Martin Waddell was honoured with the Hans Christian Anderson Medal, 'the highest international award that can be bestowed upon a writer', in recognition of his lifetime contribution to children's literature. Martin has also won some of the most prestigious book awards, including the Smarties Book Prize on two occasions for Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? (1988) and for Farmer Duck (1991). He has also won the British Book Award's Children's Illustrated Book of the Year for Farmer Duck (1991), Best Babies Book of the Year for Rosie's Babies (1990), the Other Award for Starry Night (1986) and the Kurt Mascher Award for The Park in the Dark (1989).
Other titles which are loved around the globe include Owl Babies, Sailor Bear, Little Bear, Amy Said, Tom Rabbit, Who do you Love?, The Toymaker and Pig in the Pond. Martin Waddell has said that "My books are written for that special island of time at the end of the day. They are for parents and children to share" and one cannot deny that these stories are the perfect treat for bedtime.