Jane E. Clarke


Jane Elizabeth Clarke is an English writer of children's books and poetry. Her best known books include Gilbert the Great and Stuck in the Mud. Jane has published over 45 books including works used for children's reading schemes in schools. CBeebies Bedtime Stories have featured two of Jane's books, Stuck in the Mud and Knight Time. Stuck in the Mud is also featured with a US Scholastic Book Club edition published by Scholastic Inc. 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 a team writer on three different popular series. Dinosaur Cove, Puddle the naughtiest puppy and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

Early life

Jane was born 17 December 1954 and brought up in Kettering, Northamptonshire, England. Her parents were Jim and June Andrew. She attended the 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 attend 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 and Robert Clarke. Both sons completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma at the Antwerp International School in Belgium and completed university degrees in the UK.
During her doctoral studies Jane lectured at University College London. Thereafter she lectured at University College Cardiff in Wales part-time, and also taught history at Bryn Hafren School in Barry, Wales. After Jane moved with her family to Koewacht, Netherlands. She began working part-time as a librarian at the Antwerp International School. 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 to do so.
Jane has also done support work for various charitable organisations including Ellenor Lions Children's Hospice, Institute of Cancer Research, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and READ.

Awards