Jane E. Clarke
Jane Elizabeth Clarke (born in 1954) is an English writer of children's books and poetry. Her best known books include "Gilbert the Great"illustrated by Charles Fuge, and "Neon Leon" illustrated by Britta Teckentrup. Jane has published more than 80 books, including the "Dr. Kittycat" series for Oxford University Press, and children's reading scheme books used in schools. CBeebies Bedtime Stories have featured two of Jane's books, "Stuck in the Mud" (read by Dolly Parton) and "Knight Time" (read by Jake Wood). "Stuck in the Mud" is also featured with a US Scholastic Book Club  edition which includes a CD audio edition. This audio edition is produced by Beatstreet Productions, NYC, directed by Cheryl Smith, read by Cassandra Morris and features music composed by Michael Abbott. Jane Clarke is also a team writer on three different popular series for young readers. "Dinosaur Cove" (series created by Working Partners Ltd. and published by Oxford University Press), "Puddle the Naughtiest Puppy" (series created by Working Partners Ltd. and published by Ladybird Books Ltd.) and "Pet Hotel" (created by Random House Children's Books and published by Red Fox.) Early life. Jane was born 17 December 1954 and  brought up in Kettering, Northamptonshire, England. Her parents were Jim and June Andrew. She was a pupil at Hawthorn Road County Primary School in Kettering. In 1972 Jane completed her secondary study at the Kettering High School for Girls. From 1972 to 1975 Jane studied at the University of Birmingham where she earned a combined Bachelor of Arts with honours in archaeology and history. In 1981 she completed a PhD in archaeology from University College London. Personal life. On 5 November 1977 Jane married Martin Clarke. Martin worked as a chemical engineer. His work took them to Mexico, Brazil, the  United States, Wales and the Netherlands. Together they raised two sons, Andrew Clarke (born 15 October 1983 in Wales) and Robert Clarke (born 18 October 1985 in Wales). Both sons completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma at the Antwerp International School in Belgium and university degrees in the UK. During her doctoral studies Jane lectured at University College London (1978–79). Thereafter she lectured at University College Cardiff in Wales part-time (1981–83), and taught history at Bryn Hafren School in Barry, Wales (1979–83). Afterwards, Jane moved with her family to Koewacht, Netherlands. She began working part-time as a librarian at  the Antwerp International School. It was during this time she started her career as a children's author. Jane's husband, Martin, died of a heart attack in Antwerp, Belgium on 20 December 2001. In June 2005, Jane moved from the Netherlands back to Kent, England where she now lives. Aside from writing children's books, Jane spends a significant amount of time inspiring children to read and write. She frequently visits schools throughout the UK and Europe. Jane has also supported various charitable organisations including Ellenor Lions Children's Hospice, Institute of Cancer Research (The Clapham Grand), Battersea Dogs  and Cats Home and READ (promotes reading in Africa). Works. "'The "Dr. KittyCat" books, Oxford University Press: "Al's Awesome Science", Five Quills: "Sky Private Eye", Five Quills: Lottie Loves Nature", Five Quills: In conjunction with Random House Children's Books (The Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Series): In conjunction with Working Partners Ltd. (Dinosaur Cove Series): In Conjunction with Working Partners Ltd. (Puddle the Naughtiest Puppy Series):