DICK KING-SMITH
English author (1922)
Biography:
Dick King-Smith was born in Gloucester in 1922. After working as a farmer during twenty years, he turned to teaching and later on, he began writing children's books. His first book, The Fox Busters, was published in 1978, when he was fifty-four. From that moment he has never stopped writing and he has published more than 60 books, among which there is Babe, the Gallant Pig, given the Guardians Children Fiction Award in 1984 and turned into a successful film in 1995. He has also written novels, like Tumbleweed (1987) and Godhanger (1996).
His love for animals is reflected in his work, for pigs, foxes horses, dogs and many more mammals are the main characters of his work, echoing the wonderful animal story of Charlotte's Web (E.B.White, 1952). He was voted Children's Author of the Year at the 1992 British Book Awards and he is said to be Roald Dahl's successor in children's literature, for his popularity and quality.
Dick King-Smith, author of illustrated works:
Babe, the Sheep-Pig, illustrated by Mary Rayner, Longman, 2000.
Ace, illustrated by Mark Terry, Puffin Books, 1999. This is the story of babe's great-grand son!!
Ace, The Very Important Pig, illustrated by Lynette Hemmant, Knopf Books for young readers, 1992.
Harriet's Hare, illustrated by Roger Roth, Knopf Books, 1997. Harriet Butler meets Wiz, an space allien on holyday.
Dick King-Smith's animal friends, illustrated by Anita Jeram, Candlewick, 1996.
All Pigs are Beautiful, illustrated by Anita Jeram, Walker Books, 1995.
I love Guinea Pigs, illustrated by Anita Jeram, Walker Books, 1997.
Blessu, illustrated by Adrienne Keenaway, Puffin Books, 1995.
Clever Duck, illustrated by Mike Terry, Puffin Books, 1996.
The Hodgehed, illustrated by Linda Birch, Puffin Books, 1996.
All because of Jack, illustrated by John Eastwood, Corgi, 1997.
The Crownstarver, illustrated by Peter Bailey, Corgi, 1999.