Helen Hancocks author page

Helen Hancocks biography

Helen Hancocks is a British author and illustrator known for her picture books for children. She studied illustration at the Manchester School of Art. Hancocks’ work often features bold colours and a distinctive illustrative style, with stories that blend humour and mystery.

Her debut picture book, Penguin in Peril, was published by Templar Publishing in 2014. The story follows three hungry cats who steal a penguin from the zoo, leading to a series of comic events. The book was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2015.

Hancocks is also the creator of the “Detective Cat” series, which includes William and the Missing Masterpiece (2014), William Heads to Hollywood (2016), and William the Detective (2022), all published by Templar. These books feature William, a cat detective who solves art-related mysteries in various international settings.

Other notable works by Hancocks include Why Do We Need Bees? (2017), Why Do We Need a Passport? (2018), and Why Do We Need a Potty? (2019), published by Lincoln Children’s Books. These titles introduce young readers to non-fiction topics in an accessible and engaging way.

Helen Hancocks’ books have been featured in reading lists and recommended by educational organisations. Her picture book Penguin in Peril was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2015.