Laurie Sheehan

Laurie Sheehan was born in Grays, Essex, England, in 1943. He had an enjoyable 27-year career with the BBC - in the World Service, TV and Radio News and as an archivist. As a child he told many bedtime stories to his sister, Christine*. Years later, after he'd had several historical articles published, it was 'Tina' who suggested that he should write books. His first book, in 1976, THE FERRY-BOAT CHILDREN (Great Fire of London), sold out immediately.

Laurie's Anglia Young Books KS2 titles (www.motivationinlearning.com) have been popular with schools for many years, both as whole-class readers and for use in literacy. THE PLAGUE PIPER (Great Plague/Fire of London) has been in print since 1992. Another in the History Through Stories series, CHIMNEY CHILD: A VICTORIAN STORY, is constantly being reprinted. The biographies DR BARNARDO and LORD SHAFTESBURY are strong sellers, too.

Though also curriculum-linked, his books for older readers, THE SLAVE BOY: THE LIFE OF OLAUDAH EQUIANO and MARY BRYANT THE CONVICT GIRL: THE REAL STORY (www.librario.com), can be enjoyed by anyone from 12 to 112.

His research is meticulous (he even went to Montserrat to check on the colour of the sand!).

He now lives near Worthing, West Sussex.

*Christine Sheehan is a published author, too. CHRISTINE'S STORY: FROM RAPE TO REBIRTH (www.chipmunkapublishing.com) has been well received by mental health service professionals.