About the Author

Nicholas Allan is the author/illustrator of over thirty children’s books.

When he was 12 he made a model of a galleon out of a walnut shell which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London.Nicholas Allan is the author/illustrator of over thirty children’s books.

He wrote his first novel when he was 14, a story about a murder in a school. He sent it to Macmillan who, although they did not accept it, asked to see his next. Nicholas studied painting at the Slade School of Art. During this time he had his first radio play broadcasted by BBC Radio 4. He then completed an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia.

Nicholas worked as a waiter, three weeks in a publisher’s office and as a part-time teacher of a life class before he published his first book, The Hefty Fairy (1989). Since then he has been a full-time writer and illustrator. Many of his books are bestsellers,  including The Queen’s Knickers, Father Christmas Needs a Wee, Jesus’ Christmas Party, Cinderella’s Bum, Heaven, and Where Willy Went. His books have won awards and been translated into twenty languages (see below). He is also the author of Hilltop Hospital, a book that has been adapted into a BAFTA-winning television series for CITV. The series has been shown in over forty countries. (see Scriptwriting workshops & school visits.)

Nicholas has been the Chairman of the Society of Authors' Children’s Group and has made many appearances on television and radio. (see below) He is also the author of The Complete Guide To Gatecrashing and one novel The First Time.

Interview – Authorzone Magazine
Interview – Carousel Magazine
Interview – Children's Authors and Illustrators Magazine

(Some questions answered and interesting facts. Taken from Authorzone)
Questionnaire – 01
Questionnaire – 02

Awards

1994

The Sheffield Children’s Book Award (The Queen’s Knickers)

2000

The Children’s National Book Award (Demon Teddy)

2000

Pulcinelle Award for best European animation, Cartoon-on-the-Bay Festival, Italy (Hilltop Hospital)

2000

Second Prize for best daytime television animation,World of Animation Festival, U.S.A. (Hilltop Hospital)

2000

BAFTA nomination for best pre-school animation. (Hilltop Hospital)

2001

BAFTA nomination for best pre-school animation (Hilltop Hospital)

2003

BAFTA winner for best pre-school animation (Hilltop Hospital)

2011

The Coventry Inspirational Book Award (picture-book category – for the nation's favourite inspirational book of the last 20 years). (The Queen's Knickers)