Thomas Docherty

When I was at school I never imagined I would end up writing books - I’m dyslexic, so my spelling was terrible and I struggled with reading. Luckily my mum and dad read stories to me and took me to the library, where I spent hours looking at picture books – Asterix comics were my favourite. I had always liked drawing and I started keeping a sketchbook diary, especially if I travelled somewhere new. It was these diaries that inspired my first picture books, like Little Boat, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal. Now, whenever possible, I like going into schools and libraries to talk to children about my work and help them write and draw their own stories. I live in Swansea with my wife Helen and our two daughters. Helen and I often work together on books such as The Snatchabook, The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight and Pirate Nell’s Tale To Tell. Our books are sold acround the world and have been translated into over 25 languages!