Nick Sharratt author page

Nick Sharratt biography

Nick Sharratt (born 9 August 1962) is a British author and illustrator renowned for his vibrant and humorous contributions to children’s literature. With a career spanning over three decades, he has illustrated more than 300 books and authored around 60 of his own titles.

Born in Bexleyheath, Greater London, Sharratt spent his childhood in Suffolk, Nottinghamshire, and Greater Manchester. Encouraged by his parents, he developed a passion for drawing from an early age. At nine, a teacher’s praise for his artwork inspired him to pursue a career in illustration. He studied at Manchester Polytechnic and later at St Martin’s School of Art in London, focusing on graphic design and illustration.

Sharratt began his professional journey illustrating for magazines and product packaging before transitioning to children’s books. His first picture book, Noisy Poems, was published in 1987. He gained widespread recognition through his long-standing collaboration with author Jacqueline Wilson, illustrating over 50 of her novels, including The Story of Tracy Beaker, The Illustrated Mum, and The Lottie Project. Their partnership contributed to the sale of over 40 million copies in the UK.

In addition to his work with Wilson, Sharratt has collaborated with authors such as Julia Donaldson, Michael Rosen, Giles Andreae, and Jeremy Strong. His own creations, including Shark in the Park, Ketchup on Your Cornflakes?, and You Choose (with Pippa Goodhart), have become staples in children’s literature, known for their interactive elements and bold illustrations.

Sharratt’s contributions have been recognised with numerous awards, including the Red House Children’s Book Award and the Nestlé Children’s Book Prize Gold Award for When a Monster is Born. He served as the official illustrator for World Book Day in 2006 and was honoured with a gold Blue Peter badge. His work has been exhibited internationally, and he continues to engage with young readers through school visits, workshops, and literary festivals.

Beyond his books, Sharratt is an advocate for children’s education and creativity. He has supported initiatives such as Theirworld, promoting the power of visual storytelling to inspire and educate.

• Author website and school visit details