With Winky, approx 1992
Jon Blake is the author of over fifty books for children and teenagers, including the picture book “You’re A Hero, Daley B” (ill. Axel Scheffler, worldwide sales of over 100,000) and “Little Stupendo” (shortlisted for the Children’s Book Award).
Other big sellers include “One Girl School” (over 35,000) and literacy hour favourite “Mark Two”.
In 1995 Jon’s TV play ‘Life’ was shortlisted for a Writers Guild Award, while in 2002 he won a BBC Talent award for his adult radio sitcom “Degrees R Us” (series broadcast on BBC Radio Wales). Jon is particularly noted for original and anarchic humour, typified by “Stinky Finger’s House of Fun” and the subsequent “House of Fun” series.
Born in Mortimer, Berkshire and brought up in Southampton, Jon went to college in Exeter, dropped out and worked in a furniture shop in Winchester, then continued studying at York and Bretton Hall (near Wakefield) before becoming a teacher and community centre warden in Peterborough and Nottingham. He moved to Cardiff in 1987 and now lives in the Canton area.
Besides being a writer, Jon has been involved in many community projects and teaches creative writing at the University of Wales, Newport. He is also an activist and (occasional) musician and songwriter.
JB as baby, some time ago
JB as young and not-so-young man
JB at 21, just before writing first novel
Brief selection of JB titles for children
Author’s writing hand busy with Baby JB
Natalie, who tells the author whether his books are any good, and who loves The Last Free Cat!
Baby JB sabotages precious moment
Fans of the House of Fun in Too Much Fun Can Damage Your Face
Music by Jon Blake:
