Hello! I’m Chris McGuire, a children’s author and professional writer based in Exmouth, Devon.
I write books filled with extraordinary adventures, ridiculous characters and the sort of nonsense that makes perfect sense when you’re eight years old.
I’m the creator of the Crooks and Nannies series, illustrated by Martin Baines and published by Candy Jar Books. The stories feature unlikely heroes, outrageous villains and increasingly improbable threats to life as we know it.
My aim is simple: to write books that children genuinely want to read. Particularly those who might not yet have discovered just how much fun reading can be.
From Television to Books
Before becoming a children’s author, I spent many years working in television, producing programmes for broadcasters including CBBC, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.
I’ve also worked as a journalist, copywriter and freelance creative, writing for newspapers, magazines, businesses and organisations.
It’s been a varied career, but storytelling has always been at the heart of it. Whether I’m writing a television script, a newspaper feature or a book about criminal masterminds being thwarted by elderly ladies, the challenge is much the same: find a good story and make people want to know what happens next.
Writing for Children
I believe children’s books should be entertaining first and foremost.
Reading for pleasure shouldn’t feel like homework. It should offer adventure, laughter, surprises and the occasional opportunity to enjoy something wonderfully silly.
My stories are written with readers aged seven and upwards in mind, especially children who are beginning to develop their confidence as independent readers.
And if the grown-ups reading along happen to enjoy themselves too, that’s a bonus.
Other Books by Chris
Alongside Crooks and Nannies, I’ve written books for a variety of audiences.
My published work includes The Modern MAMIL, Homeworking, The Raccoons: Blast from the Past! and The Christmas Raccoons.
From cycling and working life to familiar animated characters and completely original adventures, it’s a collection that reflects my rather varied writing career.
You can explore my books on Waterstones.
School Visits and Author Events
I also visit primary schools to talk about writing, storytelling and the strange business of turning an idea into a book.
My sessions are aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils and are designed to be lively, entertaining and encouraging, particularly for children who might not naturally think of themselves as enthusiastic readers or writers.
If you’re interested in arranging a school visit, author event or getting in touch about my writing, I’d love to hear from you.
