Richard Clarke

I was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, in 1969.

To date I have written four books. Three children’s books and one for an adult audience

Children’s Books - The Calm Pond Series

There are three ‘Calm Pond’ books which are aimed at 5 to 11 year olds. Each contains nine short stories about a group of creatures who live near my home in beautiful Blackstone Edge, which is on the border between Yorkshire and Lancashire.

The books cover many topics to help children understand important life issues.

Book 1 - ‘Calm Pond’

Book 2 - ‘Further Adventures at Calm Pond’

Book 3 - ‘More Tales From Calm Pond’

I have released one book for an adult audience - Fifty Dad Tales

In 1988, When I was 19, I severed a nerve in my left leg. I was a trainee PE teacher, and had played football semi professionally.

Many people have told me to write a book about what happened, to inspire others going through difficulty.

I always liked that idea, but my life has been so much fun, and much more than one incident. A 70s kid, a Bradford kid living with his grandma, a teacher, a semi professional footballer with a calliper, a dad, part time teacher on a zero hours contract to help my son, a children’s author etc.

All stages of my life that have brought so much joy and laughter.

So “Fifty Dad Tales” does talk about my fight to be a teacher and play football, but it also tells of the numerous silly events that have made my life one to remember.

Oh, and a final but important note!

I told the stories to my two youngest children several years when I was taking them to school. It was their unusual views, which I share in the book, that convinced me to write these rather different memoirs.

To keep up to date with all Richard’s books, check out the Facebook group pages ‘The Calm Pond series by Richard Clarke’ and ‘Fifty Dad Tales.’