James Francis Wilkins

James Francis Wilkins was born in Bristol in 1942 as the youngest of four brothers. He studied painting at Chelsea College of Art and took a course at the London School of Film Technique. He worked in the animation industry in London before moving in Germany where he lived for 22 years. During this time he also created a strip cartoon that ran in Bild-am-Sonntag and many regional newspapers. He lived and worked in Greece for 17 years. He has a son, daughter and 5 grandchildren.

Heroine of his series 'The Queen & Mr Brown' is Her Majesty the Queen, an adorable old lady with a passion for natural history. She is an optimist who never gives up and is always polite. Her constant companion and friend is Mr Brown the corgi.

The tales begin in Buckingham Palace and move on to London's Natural History Museum. The Queen and Mr Brown are friends of the animals who live there. The animals have a space transporter called Conkerdor in the form of a giant conker. This takes them to outlandish destinations in the animal world where they meet some very quirky animals. At the end of every tale the Queen and Mr Brown return to the safety of the Palace. In the tradition of Dr Doolittle animals and humans are equal.

The tales are loved by 5 to 8-year-olds and adults for their bizarre storylines and characters and striking illustrations.

Author’s website https://www.thequeenandmrbrown.com