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

Winner of the Children's Federation Book Award and a BAFTA Award, Nicholas wrote his first novel when he was 14. 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.

Publications Include

The Queen’s Knickers

Jesus’ Christmas Party

The Happy Princess (the life of Diana)

Cinderella’s Bum

The Dove

Where Willy Went

His books have won awards and been translated into twenty languages. 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.

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

Forthcoming Publications...

Look out for Father Christmas Needs a Wee, Christmas 2009

Jesus' Christmas Party - New large format with cut out Nativity set

Jesus' Christmas Party - The Musical

More and More Rabbits (2008)

Picasso's Trousers

Polly's Pet Shop (Lift the flap series for pre-schoolers)

Will's Wheels Shop (Lift the flap series for pre-schoolers)

Nicholas is a member of the Brotherhood of Magicians and breathtaking magic features in all his sessions!

• Santa's Pants transformed into blizzard snowstorm Miracle.
• The torn and restored Queens Knickers!
• The Feeding of 200 children with Hero's Chocolate Jesus Day Off Miracle
• Superman's floating Nappy.
• And many more....

Nicholas will usually do up to three one-hour sessions in a day. The sessions vary according to the age-groups but can accommodate up to 120 children. All the sessions include a talk, with readings, magic, illustration and finish with a workshop based on the books, with prizes.

For the older age-groups the talks include examples of how picture-books are created, using dummy books, illustrations etc.

Age-groups can be combined i.e. Reception/Y1/(Y2); (Y2)Y3/Y4; Y5/Y6.

Nursery are best seperate, and the sessions shorter, about half an hour.

Responses to Nicholas' visits to schools:

'A hugely successful visit and an excellent day enjoyed by all. The carefully balanced sessions captivated and enthralled the children through wonderful storytelling, skilled illustrations, fascinating magic, and exciting and stimulating competitions. Nicholas Allan was an inspiration'

Bernadette Cooper Class Teacher/English Co-ordinator Croydon High School

'Nicholas Allan was magic! He was fantastic!'

Adahna