Paul Geraghty (born 3 May 1959, in
Durban
Durban ( ) ( zu, eThekwini, from meaning 'the port' also called zu, eZibubulungwini for the mountain range that terminates in the area), nicknamed ''Durbs'',Ishani ChettyCity nicknames in SA and across the worldArticle on ''news24.com'' from ...
,
South Africa
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the north by the neighbouring countri ...
) is a British based
author
An author is the writer of a book, article, play, mostly written work. A broader definition of the word "author" states:
"''An author is "the person who originated or gave existence to anything" and whose authorship determines responsibility f ...
and
illustrator
An illustrator is an artist who specializes in enhancing writing or elucidating concepts by providing a visual representation that corresponds to the content of the associated text or idea. The illustration may be intended to clarify complicat ...
of children's
picture books. He also writes
teenage fiction
Fiction is any creative work, chiefly any narrative work, portraying individuals, events, or places that are imaginary, or in ways that are imaginary. Fictional portrayals are thus inconsistent with history, fact, or plausibility. In a traditi ...
and won the Young Africa Award for his first novel ''Pig''.
Background
His master read ''
Fine Arts and English'' at
Natal University, South Africa and holds a Higher Diploma in Education. After teaching for two years in
Cape Town
Cape Town ( af, Kaapstad; , xh, iKapa) is one of South Africa's three capital cities, serving as the seat of the Parliament of South Africa. It is the legislative capital of the country, the oldest city in the country, and the second largest ...
he took a
copywriter
Copywriting is the act or occupation of writing text for the purpose of advertising or other forms of marketing. The product, called copy or sales copy, is written content that aims to increase brand awareness and ultimately persuade a person or ...
's job in advertising. There he met John Bush, who would later go on to collaborate with him on three picture books. Since 1986 he has lived in
London
London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a majo ...
, UK.
Geraghty’s picture books typically centre on wildlife/environmental themes, either treated in a highly realistic manner, rich in detail, or irreverently stylised, usually illustrated in watercolour. Translated into over 20 languages internationally, his work has won various awards, including the
Red House Children's Book Award for Solo in 1996.
A frequent lecturer and live illustrator on the literary circuit, he is renowned for his inspirational, if eccentric style with audiences of all ages.
He is also a
musician
A musician is a person who composes, conducts, or performs music. According to the United States Employment Service, "musician" is a general term used to designate one who follows music as a profession. Musicians include songwriters who wri ...
,
photographer
A photographer (the Greek language, Greek φῶς (''phos''), meaning "light", and γραφή (''graphê''), meaning "drawing, writing", together meaning "drawing with light") is a person who makes photographs.
Duties and types of photographe ...
and extensive traveller.
Picture Books
:''(Illustrated in watercolour, unless otherwise stated)''
* The Giraffe who Got in a Knot ''(Written by John Bush)'' (1987)
* The Cross-with-us Rhinoceros ''(Written by John Bush)'' (1988)
* Over the Steamy Swamp (1988)
* The Great Knitting Needle Hunt (1989)
* The Bungle in the Jungle ''(Written by John Bush)'' (1989)
* What on Earth was That? (1990)
* Look out, Patrick! (1990)
* Slobcat (1991)
* Monty’s Journey (1992)
* The Great Green Forest (1992)
* The Hunter (1994)
* Solo (1995)
* The Wonderful Journey ''(Oil on canvas)'' (1999)
* Tortuga (2000)
* The Hoppameleon (2001)
* Dinosaur in Danger (2004)
* Rotten & Rascal (The Two Terrible Pterosaur Twins) (Mixed media illustrations) (2006)
* Help Me! (2010)
Novels
* Pig (1988)
* Tina Come Home (1991)
References
External links
Paul Geraghty websiteVideo: Paul Geraghty discusses changes and inspirationsIllustration from Dinosaur in DangerIllustration from The HunterA Paul Geraghty Oil Painting commissioned by the military
{{DEFAULTSORT:Geraghty, Paul
University of Natal alumni
1959 births
Living people
South African children's writers
South African children's book illustrators