Peter Bently
Children's Author
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Biography
Peter went to ten schools as far apart as Devon, Northumberland, Germany and Hong Kong. After working as a journalist and nonfiction book editor, he began writing stories for children after the birth of his son Theo.
He is the award-winning author of over seventy books, including bestsellers OCTOPUS SHOCKTOPUS! (illustrated by Steven Lenton), which won the FCBG Children’s Book Award 2022 and the Teach Early Years Picture Book Prize 2020; DOGS IN DISGUISE (illustrated by John Bond), winner of the Shropshire Picture Book Prize 2022; CATS AHOY! (illustrated by Jim Field), which won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize; KING JACK AND THE DRAGON (illustrated by Helen Oxenbury), an American Library Association Notable Book of the Year and shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal; and “cult classic” THE GREAT DOG BOTTOM SWAP (illustrated by Mei Matsuoka), shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and described by Dawn O’Porter as “maybe my all-time favourite kids’ book.” Peter’s books have been translated into more than twenty languages.
Peter has also adapted children’s classics THE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS by Dodie Smith and CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG by Ian Fleming. It is the first time both the original novels have been directly adapted as picture books for younger readers.
When he’s not writing, Peter enjoys visiting schools, libraries and book festivals. He lives in London with his wife Lucy and daughter Tara.
The Princes and the Pea (2025)
“There’s something I heard in a very old tale – a test you can do that will work without fail.
Under her mattress I’ll slip a small pea. A princess who’s perfect will feel it, you see.”
Prince Fred decides it’s time he got married – to a genuine proper perfect princess. His best friend, Prince Zac, warns him that such a bride might be hard to find . . .
Enter Princess Ardwenna, who turns up at the palace to ask for shelter from the storm. Prince Fred can’t believe she’s a real princess – she’s not fussy or proud AT ALL – so Ardwenna decides to play a trick on Fred, involving one little pea and a whole pile of mattresses!
But Prince Fred might not need a princess after all. Perhaps his own handsome prince has been there all along . . .
Publications
Selected Publications
Winner of the FCBG Children’s Book Award 2022!
A brilliantly bonkers story about an octopus who lives on the roof, by two award-winning and bestselling picture book creators.
When a giant octopus arrives, the children LOVE their new friend; he makes the perfect slide and is fantastic at football! But some of the grown-ups aren’t so pleased. Will they drive him away . . . or will they realise just how helpful an octopus can be?
A warm and witty rhyming story about welcoming newcomers. Sunglasses at the ready this book has zingy fluorescent ink on the cover and inside illustrations.
A stunningly illustrated picture-book retelling of Ian Fleming’s timeless classic – a must for every child’s bookshelf! Stunning illustrations throughout bring this classic tale to life for the youngest of fans. Retold by the much-loved children’s author Peter Bently and beautifully illustrated by Steve Antony, the creator of Mr Panda.
Winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize!
Off shot Alfonso as swift as an arrow, through alleys and gardens and streets dark and narrow.
He told every cat to prepare for a treat: “Follow me and you’ll get all the fish you can eat!”
When Alfonso the cat hears there’s a boat coming into harbour stuffed with tasty haddock, he hatches a plan. It’s brave! It’s bold! And it involves a ghost pirate ship, some rather gullible fishermen and cats… LOTS of cats.
An utterly delightful picture book, that sees a family day out at the beach turn into a wonderful piratical adventure!
The day has arrived for the Dogs’ Summer Ball. It’s so high class, that each dog must remove their bottom before they are allowed inside the hall. But in the middle of all the frivolity something unexpected happens and the dogs have to make a hasty exit… with or without the correct bottom!
Celebrating its 10th year in publication, this unmissable and hilarious picture book has been shortlisted for the Sheffield Book Award, the Best Children’s Illustrated Book Award and the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.
