Julia Jarman

Born talking – allegedly – Julia Jarman was soon telling stories, and decided to be a writer when she was eight. Then she became stage-struck at school, and went on to read English and Drama at Manchester University. When auditions led to third fly, third nun, third peasant and finally third soldier, she decided to teach, got married, moved south, had three children, rediscovered children’s literature and began to write.
Julia's first book was published in 1985 by Andersen Press, who have taken all her novels since, many of which have been short-listed for prizes. GHOST WRITER was Highly Commended by the judges of the NASEN award as ‘a cracking novel, sparky and spooky’. Her most recent novel, PEACE WEAVERS, was published by Andersen Press in 2004. Julia has written a popular series featuring the Time-Travelling Cat, the most recent of which is THE TIME-TRAVELLING CAT AND THE VIKING TERROR (also Andersen).

Julia also writes for younger readers and has had several picture books published, most recently THE BIG RED BATH and THE BIG BLUE TRAIN, illustrated by Adrian Reynolds (Orchard) and CLASS TWO AT THE ZOO and CLASS THREE ALL AT SEA, illustrated by Lynne Chapman (Gullane). Upcoming is KISSES ARE YUK, illustrated by Erica-Jane Waters (Hodder) and WHEN BABY LOST BUNNY, to be illustrated by Adrian Reynolds (Orchard).

In addition, Julia has written for several educational series including Ginn’s ALL ABOARD, Collins’ SOUNDBITES and Watts’ SPARKS. Now living in a Bedfordshire village, she is a frequent visitor to schools and libraries at home and abroad. Happy talking to pupils from four to fourteen – and with books for them all - she shares her ‘Writing Recipe for cooking up stories’ and entertains with dramatic readings.

On the day Class Three went to sea, they saw donkeys dancing on the quay. They saw some sea lions skimming stones, but they didn't see the skull and crossbones! They're not a group to be daunted however, and with a little bit of help from an octopus they meet on the way, the pirates are overpowered and Class Three are left to enjoy their trip to the sea - and follow the pirates treasure map!