Michael Catchpool author page

Michael Catchpool biography

Michael Catchpool is a children’s author and former primary school teacher and headteacher. He has written ten picture books, illustrated by artists including Alison Jay, David Roberts, Vanessa Cabban, Sophy Williams, Emma Proctor, Rosalind Beardshaw and Jill Newton. He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge for research into children’s engagement with peer feedback and its effect on them as writers.

His recent titles with Lantana include SuperJoe Does NOT Do Cuddles (2021) and SuperJoe Does NOT Say Sorry (2022), the latter selected by BookTrust and featured on Channel 5’s Milkshake! Story Den. Earlier picture books include The Cloud Spinner (Penguin Random House / Knopf, 2012), which received a Kirkus Starred Review (January 2012) and was named an Amazon.com Best Book of the Year, 2012, as well as Grandpa’s Boat (Andersen Press, 2008), That Yucky Love Thing (Gullane, UK – Barnes & Noble, US, 2008), You Won’t Shift a Hippo (Gullane, 2007), Howling at the Moon (Gullane, 2006), Hopping Mad (Little Tiger, 2004) and Where There’s a Bear, There’s Trouble (Little Tiger, 2002). His debut, Sleepy Sam, was published by Little Tiger in 2001.

Catchpool’s first illustrated fiction for readers aged 5+ launches with the Maple Street series, illustrated by Shanarama and published by Otter-Barry Books.

Maple Street: Jake in the Middle is scheduled for publication in January 2026.