Paul Geraghty, born in South Africa in 1959, grew up among wild animals and began drawing from an early age. In spite of the idyllic surroundings, he spent his childhood fighting the Second World War. He took requests and drew aeroplanes for his classmates. He wrote and illustrated stories about the war. When peace returned he completed a degree in Fine Art and English with Higher Diploma in Education at the University of Natal. He funded his student life by playing keyboards in a band on weekends. Later original recordings got airplay, achieving minimal fame and no fortune. He painted for a year, taught English and Art for two, then worked as a copywriter for a year, winning awards in the U.K. and U.S.A. Since moving to England in 1986 he has been an author/illustrator of children’s picture books (All but one illustrated in watercolour - The Wonderful Journey was done in oils) and teenage fiction, often visiting schools, libraries and colleges as well as conducting the occasional writers’ workshop. He travels extensively. His picture book The Hunter was short listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal for illustration, and won the Earthworm Award (sponsored by Friends of the Earth), while Solo won the Children’s Book Award - out of 392 books, judged by 70 000 children nationwide. His first novel, Pig, won the Longmans Young Africa Award, and most recently, Tortuga won the Prix de la Ville de Cherbourg-Octeville. “I really liked the pictures - just looking at them makes me want to read the books” Connor Gay, Year 5, St. Michael’s C of E Primary School, Kent A selection of Paul’s Books The Hoppameleon - Hilarious tale about a very confused frog… Shortlisted: Children’s Book Award Tortuga - Educational tale of a tortoise who is blown out to sea… Winner: Prix de Cherbourg Octeville Award Solo - Suspense-filled tale of an emperor penguin family… Winner: Children’s Book Award The Hunter - Lost Jamina helps a baby elephant and learns from the experience… Winner: Earthworm Friends of the Earth Award. Shortlisted: Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration The Wonderful Journey - Departing grandmother gives hope and encouragement to her grandchild… Slobcat - Slobcat is surely the laziest cat that ever lived… or is he? ‘This book transcends other cat stories’ Kirkus Reviews. Shortlisted Nottinghamshire and Sheffield Children’s Book Awards The Great Green Forest - At first the treemouse can’t sleep for all the noise of the forest… ‘Thoroughly recommended’ (Sunday Times). A Child Education Book of the Year Dinosaur in Danger - Very realistic dinosaur adventure… ‘Terrific!… it almost persuades you lizards can love’ (The Times) Over The Steamy Swamp -A lone mosquito, a greedy dragonfly, a famished frog, a peckish fish… this looks like trouble! Paul Geraghty