Malachy Doyle was born in Northern Ireland, the seventh of eight children and was named after a local saint of the seaside town where he grew up. After obtaining a Psychology degree from Bolton, Malachy moved to Stratford and met his future wife, Liz. They were both working for the Royal Shakespeare Company, picking up litter from the car park! After a stint in advertising, Malachy moved in with Liz and their three young children and moved to Wales. Malachy began work as a care assistant in various special schools. It was at this point that he started writing for children.

Malachy has written many books for all ages, ranging from pop up books to teenage novels. He is the winner of the Parent's Choice Gold Award and the IBBY Honour Award. For Orchard he has written The Ugly Great Giant. The story, told in a fairytale style, sees Sam getting mixed up with the very nasty Ugly Great Giant when he looses to him at a game of cards. Only by succeeding at three seemingly impossible tasks can Sam save his life! Malachy's Orchard title, Amadans and the recent follow-up Amadans Alert, introduce the world of the Amadan fairies - no ordinary fairies, but hideous little creatures who have the power to freeze humans to the spot if they're up to no good! The Amadan world is in turmoil because their powers are sapping, and the Queen wants Jimmy to help her...

Malachy and his family now live in a big old house overlooking the sea. On days when he is not visiting schools or walking in the mountains, he sits at his desk in his study, looking at the view and, hopefully writing!

"A thrilling story of triumph over the ugliest, meanest giant ever!" - The Children's Bookshow

"I loved Amadans... a hugely entertaining blend of fantasy and technology." - Eoin Colfer

Bibliography

Sparks Farewell to Ireland The Great hunger 12,000 Miles from Home

Individual Titles The Ugly Great Giant Amadans Amadans Alert

Copyright © 2006: The Watts Publishing Group.