Jim Bird

Jim Bird is one of the most successful authors of children’s books and is widely acclaimed for his writing and recognizable illustrative style. From his original works such as ‘The Magic Pencil’ and ‘In the Land of Snakes’ to his contributions to classic folktales such as ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, Jim Bird has been thrilling children for over 20 years.

Jim Bird was born in the town of Hereford, England and grew up in the countryside. Jim found his imagination constantly engaged with nature, and early in his writing career, it was nature that became the basis for some of his earliest works. His first book, ‘The Magic Pencil’, follows the journey of Pencil, a painted stick figure, as he discovers the wonders of his natural habitat. ‘The Magic Pencil’ has been praised time and time again for the way in which it brings nature and its creatures to life on the page, introducing children to creatures they may have never known about otherwise.

The success of this book opened the door for Jim Bird to explore more classic fairy tales and folktales. One of his most successful remakes is Little Red Riding Hood, which is updated to a modern audience with a sense of both humour and respect for the original story. Jim Bird maintains a delicate balance between modernising the story while not taking away from the humour, peril and moral of little Red Riding Hood.

Jim Bird’s other works such as ‘In the Land of Snakes’ and ‘The Lost Dragon’ have been similarly praised for their level of creativity and engagement for young readers. ‘In the Land of Snakes’ takes readers on an imaginative journey full of exciting characters, vibrant settings and unique story elements. ‘The Lost Dragon’ features the same combination of immersive storytelling and captivating illustrations. Both works demonstrate Jim Bird’s ability to incorporate his own style with beloved tales from centuries past.

Jim Bird’s most recent book ‘The Day The World Stood Still’ was released in 2021 and is a futuristic tale about a group of children who come together to protect an opal owl from a mysterious force that threatens its safety. The story is set on a distant planet and follows the children as they navigate this new terrain full of danger. Fuelled by friendship and courage, the story follows the characters overcoming obstacles in order to take back their once peaceful planet.

Jim Bird’s imaginative writing, journalistic approach and creative illustrations have continued to enchant readers of all ages worldwide. Children have been enchanted and inspired by the adventures and lessons found within Jim Bird’s stories, making his work an all-time favourite among households. Jim Bird’s books have found their place in history, and he continues to produce literature that will inspire generations to come.