David Lucas

David Lucas was born in Middlesbrough and brought up in Hackney. He always enjoyed drawing and as he grew older he became interested in folktales, and began writing stories about the characters he had created. He studied at St Martin’s School
of Art and the Royal College of Art.

His first book as author and illustrator was 'Halibut Jackson' (Andersen Press 2003) which was chosen as Amazon.com's 'Favorite Children's Book of 2004' and was a "Best Children's Book of 2004' in Publishers' Weekly in the US.

His most recent books are 'The Lying Carpet' (Andersen Press 2008), a richly illustrated fable for older children, and 'Peanut' (Walker Books 2008).

Last year David was a winner of the Booktrust's 'Best New Illustrator Award'.

He lives and works in Lewes, East Sussex.

“My drawing and writing are deeply linked - my drawing is like picture-writing and
I like playing with words as if they are simple shapes. I love medieval art and folk art – art that is decorative; not just to be beautiful, but because pattern-making is like a magic spell, a ritual, or a prayer. In my books I aim, above all, to communicate my belief that the world is a magical place.”