About Nicholas Allan
Nicholas Allan is the author/illustrator of over thirty children’s books.
When he was 12 Nicholas Allan made a model of a galleon out of a walnut shell which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London.
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.
Under Full Sail by Nicholas Allan, age 11
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) His books have been adapted into Westend musicals, including The Queen's Knickers, The Giant's Loo Roll, and Father Christmas Needs A Wee, the latter touring annually.
Nicholas has been the Chairman of the Society of Authors' Children’s Group and is currently the Patron of the Isle of Wight Children's Literary Festival. He 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.
Interviews
Interview – Authorzone Magazine
Interview – Carousel Magazine
Interview – Children's Authors and Illustrators Magazine
Some questions answered and interesting facts (from Authorzone)
Questionnaire – 01
Questionnaire – 02
Awards
The Sheffield Children’s Book Award, 1994
The Queen’s Knickers
The Children’s National Book Award, 2000
Demon Teddy
Pulcinelle Award for best European animation, Cartoon-on-the-Bay Festival, Italy, 2000
Hilltop Hospital
Second Prize for best daytime television animation, World of Animation Festival, U.S.A. 2000
Hilltop Hospital
BAFTA nomination for best pre-school animation. 2000
Hilltop Hospital
BAFTA nomination for best pre-school animation. 2001
Hilltop Hospital
BAFTA winner for best pre-school animation. 2003
Hilltop Hospital
The Coventry Inspirational Book Award
(picture-book category – for the nation's favourite inspirational book of the last 20 years). 2011
The Queen's Knickers
The Two award for Best Picture Book of 2012, 2012
The Giant's Loo Roll
