James Catchpole author page

James Catchpole biography

James Catchpole is a children’s author and literary agent. He works at The Catchpole Agency, which represents writers and illustrators of children’s books.

Catchpole wrote the picture book What Happened to You?, illustrated by Karen George and published by Faber in April 2021. The story follows Joe, a disabled child who wants to get on with playing while other children repeatedly question his body.

He is also credited as a co-author of You’re So Amazing!, again illustrated by Karen George and published by Faber in May 2023. The book centres on the same character, Joe, and focuses on how other people’s reactions to disability can turn everyday moments into public performances.

In 2025, Catchpole is listed as a co-editor of Owning It: Our disabled childhoods in our own words, an anthology published by Faber Children’s Books.

You’re So Amazing! received a Schneider Family Book Award Honor from the American Library Association in 2025.