Frank Cottrell-Boyce author page

Frank Cottrell-Boyce biography

Frank Cottrell-Boyce (born 23 September 1959) is a British screenwriter and author acclaimed for his contributions to children’s literature and film. His work is noted for its wit, emotional depth, and imaginative storytelling.

Born in Bootle, Merseyside, Cottrell-Boyce studied English at Keble College, Oxford, where he later earned a doctorate. He began his career writing for television, contributing to series such as Brookside and Coronation Street. His collaboration with director Michael Winterbottom produced several films, including Welcome to Sarajevo and 24 Hour Party People.

Transitioning into children’s literature, Cottrell-Boyce adapted his screenplay for the film Millions into a novel, published in 2004. The book won the Carnegie Medal, recognising it as the year’s best children’s book in the UK. He continued with titles such as Framed (2005), Cosmic (2008), and The Unforgotten Coat (2011), the latter winning the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize.

In 2011, he was commissioned by the Ian Fleming estate to write sequels to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, resulting in three novels: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again (2011), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Race Against Time (2012), and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Over the Moon (2013). His other works include The Astounding Broccoli Boy (2015), Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth (2016), Runaway Robot (2019), and Noah’s Gold (2021).

Beyond writing, Cottrell-Boyce played a significant role in the 2012 London Olympics, scripting the opening ceremony directed by Danny Boyle. He has also written episodes for the television series Doctor Who and serves as a patron for The Reader Organisation, promoting reading aloud in communities.

In July 2024, he was appointed as the UK Children’s Laureate for a two-year term, succeeding Joseph Coelho. Cottrell-Boyce lives in Liverpool with his wife, Denise, and their seven children. His son, Aidan Cottrell-Boyce, is also a writer.