Ian Whybrow author page

Ian Whybrow biography

Ian Whybrow is a British children’s author who has written over 100 books, ranging from picture books to novels and poetry. Born on May 3, 1941, in Gillingham, Kent, he spent his early years in Margate and Hong Kong. Before becoming a full-time writer in 1989, Whybrow worked as a teacher, eventually serving as Head of English and Head of Sixth Form at The John Lyon School in Harrow on the Hill, London.

His debut publication, The Sniff Stories, appeared in 1989 and led to a series of books and BBC radio broadcasts featuring the character Sniff. Whybrow is perhaps best known for the Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs series, illustrated by Adrian Reynolds. The series has been adapted into a 104-episode animated television show titled Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs, which premiered in 2005.

Another notable work is the Little Wolf series, including Little Wolf’s Book of Badness, illustrated by Tony Ross. This book was adapted into an award-winning television special in 2003 and later into a stage play. Whybrow’s other popular titles include The Tickle Book and The Bedtime Bear, both illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

His books have been translated into 27 languages and are published in 28 countries. Awards for his work include the Sheffield Children’s Book Award for Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs and multiple honors for Little Wolf’s Book of Badness, including the UKRA Award and the Talkie Award for Best Children’s Book and Tape.

Whybrow’s writing is characterized by humor and an understanding of children’s language and behavior.