Martyn Bedford
About Author
Martin Waddell is one of the most popular, talented and respected authors of children's books writing today. He was awarded the internationally prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award for his lasting contribution to children's literature, the first Irish writer to be so honoured. He has worked with many outstanding illustrators, has won numerous awards, and is highly praised by teachers, librarians and parents alike. Martin has been as prolific as he has been successful. He has written over 200 stories for children of all ages, and over 14 million copies of his books have found their way into the hands of eager children in homes across the globe.
Martin grew up amongst the woods, waterfalls and mountains of County Down in Northern Ireland. Coming from a family of actors and writers, Martin spent much of his time as a child in the company of storytellers. They told him tales of nonsense, of myth, of lands faraway and close to home. These stories captured the imagination of the young boy, and created in him a distinct sense of belonging and a powerful sense of place. Today, Martin lives only a few hundred metres from his childhood home. The beach he played on as a child is the same beach he played on with his own children. From the small boy who was told stories, Martin went on to become the storyteller himself, telling tales to children all around the world.
With the needs of children always at the forefront of his work, Martin has crafted many timeless tales which include Owl Babies, The Pig in the Pond, Snow Bears and the award-winning classics, Can't You Sleep, Little Bear and Farmer Duck. Martin's belief that the story should appeal directly to the interests of children - be it their hopes, their fears, or their sense of fun - has ensured that children (and parents!) have loved and treasured his books. When asked where he gets his inspiration from, Martin's reply inevitably leads back to that little boy who grew up amid fanciful tales with the Irish Sea at his feet and the mountains of Mourne at his back, the very same places he inhabits today.
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