About the Author

Andrew Clover is currently appearing as Gary in My Almost Famous Family on BBC2 / CBBC. 

Andrew is best known for his column, Dad Rules  - funny / inspiring stories about family life, that appear in Sunday Times Style magazine.  

He is 38, and lives in London with three daughters aged 7 , 6, and 2.

He was Head Writer for the TV version of Little Wolf, a cartoon for younger children. Andrew is a comedian who's been nominated for the Perrier Award, and an actor who appeared most recently as the scary clown in Ashes to Ashes (something he mentions for the teenagers, but not for the younger ones). He did three stories of Storyman for Radio 4 in which he improvised stories with creators such as David Walliams, Tracy Emin, and Terry Gilliam.

His passion is getting people to enjoy their imaginations. Andrew's school visits are distinguished by his humour, generosity and galvanizing energy. He enjoys working with large crowds, and has three different sessions - applicable to Key Stage 1, 2, and 3.

For teenagers, he tells funny stories about Ashes to Ashes and Dirty Angels; he talks about how writers find their ideas, and how they invent characters, and shape plots; he does a remarkable guided meditation session, and then he hears what the children came up with, and he proves to them that they are themselves original, creative geniuses.

For primary school children, Andrew still talks about plot, character, and books, but the emphasis is more on humour, play, and physical comedy. He gets them to help him by making sound effects. He makes them improvise. He tells funny stories about aliens, dogs, and princesses.

Andrew also does a creativity workshop, for 30 people maximum, which teaches improvisation further, and climaxes with getting children to pitch their 3 minute stories.

At schools, Andrew always wants to sell Dirty Angels (suitable for children above Year 5). He sells them for £5 each, and does a dedication. He doesn't mind if he's paid for books after the event. The only thing he asks is that the children are excited about his arrival, and separated boy / girl so they don't whisper when he's doing the meditation.

“ I'd like to take all the stars other acts have thrown away, and give them to Andrew Clover for his talent and generosity, his intelligence and humour...”
5 stars Scotsman

“ Andrew was a great success - inspirational and full of energy and passion. His heart is in the right place and he has alot to give the children. He enthused the children, made them laugh, and my class loved his writing workshop. His acting is fantastic - a real strength in his performance. His faces, voices and impersonations were superb. But best of all, Andrew is a lovely guy -open, friendly and great! We'd definitely have him back! ”
Ed Pugh, All Farthing Primary School, Wandsworth

“ This morning my literacy lesson was lead by Rebecca and Emma who were mimicking you from attending your storytelling session yesterday. The rest of the class enjoyed every moment and what an impact you had for them to have remembered so much. Thank you for a fantastic afternoon. I spoke to the Head this morning about how fantastic you were and that we should get you back. How lucky your loved ones are to share their lives with such an amazing person. Oh and your comment in the book was very touching. As teachers we are regularly criticised and rarely praised.”
Palvi Raval, Oxford Community School

“ Thank you so much for providing such marvellous entertainment. The kids thought that you were wonderful.”
Jenny and Sandy at Ashford School Library

Dad Rules (published by Penguin)

"engaging, endlessly warm and frequently hilarious dispatches from the parental frontline"  

Observer.

"I love, love, LOVED this... a wild and irreverent adventure," 

5 stars,  News of the World

Andrew has also written Dirty Angels a fantasy book for teenagers

"genius"

Jocelyn Gee Etien

"an uplifting parable of redemption"

5 stars, The Book Bag

"inspiring - my only problem is I didn't write it myself"

GP Taylor