Picture a British storyteller who whisked young readers through time with a dash of history and a sprinkle of magic—meet Carl Ashmore! Born in Crewe, Cheshire, this children’s author has enchanted audiences with his thrilling 'Time Hunters' series and heartfelt tales like 'Bernard and the Bibble.' With a knack for blending adventure and emotion, Ashmore’s stories are a portal to worlds where dinosaurs roam stately homes and miracles bloom underground.
From his early days in media to crafting tales that spark young imaginations, Ashmore’s journey is as captivating as his books. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this whimsical wordsmith!
The Making of Carl Ashmore
Carl Stuart Ashmore, born on August 17, 1968, in Crewe, Cheshire, didn’t start as a children’s author. A graduate of Bournemouth University with a degree in Communication and Media Production, he carved a path in television, working for Granada Television, and later as a lecturer in film and media at Burslem College. In 2006, during a sabbatical on France’s south coast, Ashmore penned his debut novel, 'The Time Hunters.' This leap from lecturer to storyteller was fueled by a love for Marvel comics, alternative music, and, curiously, naan breads—a quirky mix that hints at his playful spirit.
Carl Ashmore’s Unforgettable Stories
Ashmore’s 'Time Hunters' series, launched in 2010, is a whirlwind of time-travel adventures. The saga follows siblings Becky and Joe Mellor, who uncover their Uncle Percy’s secret time-traveling escapades at Bowen Hall. From battling pirates in the Caribbean to facing mummies in Ancient Egypt, the series—spanning titles like 'The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity' (2011) and 'The Time Hunters and the Spear of Fate' (2013)—weaves historical settings with fantastical flair. Critics praise its Roald Dahl-esque inventiveness and Lewis Carroll-like whimsy, making it a hit with middle-grade readers.
Beyond time travel, Ashmore’s standalone novel 'Bernard and the Bibble' (2013) holds a special place in his heart. Inspired by the sudden loss of his father, Bernard Ashmore, to a heart condition in 2008, the story follows nine-year-old Bernard Williams, who ventures into a magical underground kingdom called Arcalia. Despite its origins in grief, the tale brims with optimism, featuring pizza-flavored flowers and sprinting snails. Ashmore also penned 'The Night They Nicked Saint Nick,' a festive romp with edible steam trains, showcasing his knack for lighthearted chaos.
His style is a vibrant tapestry of action, humor, and heart, often compared to literary giants like Dahl and Carroll. Whether crafting a dodo named Deirdre or a villain dubbed 'the vilest monster,' Ashmore’s worlds are vivid, fast-paced, and brimming with quirky characters that leap off the page.
Why Carl Ashmore Matters
Carl Ashmore’s impact lies in his ability to spark wonder in young readers while tackling universal themes like courage and hope. The 'Time Hunters' series, with over 100,000 copies sold across Kindle and paperback, has earned a devoted following, with translations in Brazil signaling its global reach. His stories resonate because they balance escapism with emotional depth, as seen in 'Bernard and the Bibble,' which transforms personal loss into a celebration of life’s magic.
Ashmore’s work also inspires budding writers, proving that a media lecturer from Cheshire can become a beloved author through passion and imagination. His engaging online presence, inviting fans for virtual tea chats, fosters a community around his whimsical worlds.
About Carl Ashmore
- Born: August 17, 1968, in Crewe, Cheshire, England
- Key Works: 'The Time Hunters' series, 'Bernard and the Bibble,' 'The Night They Nicked Saint Nick'
- Fun Fact: He’s a self-professed fan of naan breads and blob fish!
Ready for a literary adventure? Snag 'The Time Hunters' or 'Bernard and the Bibble' and dive into Carl Ashmore’s enchanting blend of history, humor, and heart!