Children’s Books
Just to give you an idea of what to expect from my novels: I would say they are
dramatic and often hard-hitting. I don’t pull any punches or hold back on detail and
depth just because I’m writing for children. In fact, the only reason I call them
‘children’s’ books is that they have children as the main characters, but I’ve found that
they are just as likely to be enjoyed by adults. My limericks collection, There Was An
Old Fellow From Skye, is also adult-friendly!
_______________________________
I have written several short novels for Serial Mash, the fantastic
online reading resource for primary schools by 2Simple. (Serial Mash
is part of Purple Mash.) More of my stories are coming to Serial Mash
soon!
_______________________________
The Great Canal Clean Up
Written by Antony Wootten
Illustrated by Amit Tayal
Published by Oxford University Press
Jack is fed up with all the litter along the canal path near
where he lives. He and his new friend Nadia, decide to do
something about it.
_______________________________
Books for Adults
When writing for adults rather than children, I write as David Hall. And I Wish I’d
Asked Why is a collection of short stories for adults, and Gordon Medley’s Final
Frontier fits into the tragically overlooked Sci-fi Adventure Space Opera Comedy
and Affectionate Star Trek Parody genre.
Science and Critical Thinking
for adults, teenagers and older children
_______________________________
I run a writers’ group in Grosmont, and we have now published two collections of
our short stories, Time Well Spent and Wild and Penned.
Grosmont Writers’ Group is a small group of talented writers who live in or near the
village of Grosmont in North Yorkshire. They meet fortnightly, usually on Mondays.
In each meeting, the members take it in turns to read aloud from something they’ve
written, and the rest of the group then offers feedback. It sounds stressful, but the
atmosphere is always friendly and supportive. No-one has to read out if they don’t
want to, and the emphasis of the feedback is always on helping each other to hone
skills. Members usually bring cakes, scones, wine and beer too! New members are
welcome. If you are interested, please email me on contact@antonywootten.co.uk.
________________________________
________________________________
If you like the look of my books, you’ll probably enjoy my dad’s books too!
I have written 15 books for Buttercup Publishing’s Early Readers category, both fiction
and non-fiction. You’ll find my books in the Green, Turquoise and Purple bands.
…and more!
_______________________________
18 stories of modern life, packed with plot
twists and dark themes. And I Wish I’d
Asked Why features a variety of fascinating
characters, from disaffected teenagers to
war veterans, serial killers and hitmen, each
struggling to deal with life in their own,
unique way.
Red City Review: “David Hall’s And I Wish I’d Asked Why is a
collection of eighteen amazingly compelling short stories. Set in
modern day England, these stories contain a hugely varied assortment
of characters and personalities. Ranging from gay college students to
aging war veterans and just about everything and everyone in between,
these diverse characters draw you into their stories and urge you to
understand, or at least consider, the complexities of their lives. Each
character and story is so unique; however, as you read you also discover
that sometimes the motives that keep us going (or potentially hold us
back) can be the same. Perhaps, we may not all be as different as we
once thought.
Hall’s writing is often dark and deeply cynical, but his use of details
that another author might overlook makes his writing fascinating,
engaging, and fresh. It is particularly interesting to consider that David
Hall also writes children’s fiction under another name. Hall’s writing in
And I Wished I’d Asked Why feels so comfortable and confident, that
one would never guess he had pursued other audiences and writing
styles. This is great news because if dark and sometimes twisted stories
are not what you want to spend your afternoon reading, then Antony
Wootten may have written something that the whole family will enjoy!”
And I Wish I’d Asked Why
£7 paperback | £2.99 Kindle
![[x]](index_htm_files/close.png "Close")
England, 1989. Star Trek fan Gordon
Medley has the organisational skills of an
earthquake, and the decision-making skills
of an old sock; in short, he’s exactly the
sort of person you wouldn’t entrust with
anything remotely important, especially a
magical orb that could save the entire
planet from its imminent destruction. But that is exactly what his
mysterious colleague does.
Gordon knows the orb is just a snooker ball, and that the colleague is
clearly suffering some sort of breakdown. Still, humouring him,
Gordon takes the ‘orb’ and vows to protect it.
But when an ex-pupil, now an adult, comes back into his life, clonks
him on the head with a wok and leads him up a ramp and into a
spaceship which has landed in his back garden, Gordon realises that
either he’s the one having the breakdown, or that something out-of-
this-world really is happening. Or both. And if that’s the case, the
snooker ball he’s been entrusted with must actually be the vitally
important orb his colleague said it was. Which is a shame, because
Gordon can’t remember where he put it.
And so, Gordon Medley, clumsy and vacant though he is, becomes
embroiled in an epic tale of planetary destruction, out-of-control super-
computers, and time-travel. And throughout his voyage of self-
discovery, he is faced with a question which he cannot begin to answer:
why are all the people he meets so similar to the cast of Star Trek?
Gordon Medley’s Final Frontier
£3.50 Kindle
Scientific skepticism is a fascinating field. It has
nothing whatsoever to do with my other books, or
the rest of this website!
Scientific skepticism is the application of
scientific critical thinking to just about anything
we are told by the media and other sources. It is a
way of evaluating what is real and true. Skeptics search out the evidence (or
demonstrate the lack thereof) for wild claims, exposing the misunderstandings
and misinformation behind such things as conspiracy theories, supernatural
phenomena, pseudoscience and pseudomedicine. Wherever an alarmist,
alternative, or too-good-to-be-true claim is made, scientific skeptics do the
research to find the truth.
If you would like to find out about scientific skepticism, you could read my
very short handbook, Skeptosophy, which outlines the key ideas. It covers
everything from the difference between a hypothesis and a theory, to
systematic reviews and meta analyses. Skeptosophy is available on Amazon in
ebook format (£1.99) - see preview below - and in paperback (£4.50).
Mark Hammonds, a keen skeptic: “Just a quick thanks for taking the time to write your
excellent Skeptosophy. I finally found the time to read it today, and I will certainly recommend it to
anyone I meet who wants to know a little bit more about scientific skepticism.”
Terry Waites, Teesside Skeptics Society: "Having read the book I keep it close for reference. It
is my first port of call for skeptical explanations and information."
Antony Wootten’s debut novel, A Tiger Too
Many, is a dramatic and powerful page-
turner for the 9-12 age range. Set in London
Zoo during World War II, it is a tense tale of
a young girl’s desperate struggle to save her
beloved tiger-cub. Despite the traumas of air-raids and evacuation,
and her older brother going missing in action, Jill never gives up, even
when the zoo itself is bombed and she finds herself amongst the
burning debris...
LoveReading4Kids.com: “enchanting from the word go.” A Debut of the Month!
The Northeast, Middlesbrough & Teesside Evening Gazette’s December 2011 Book of
the Month!
Newbury Weekly News, 8/12/11: “well written and retains the reader’s interest, so that he or she
cares about what happens to the characters as the story zips along.”
TheBookbag.co.uk: “real edge-of-the-seat-stuff”. “Buy it? Yes.”
Karen Langtree, children’s author, tweeted: “I just finished A Tiger Too Many. A superb book
Compares to a Michael Morpurgo with ease Wonderful characters gripping story” [sic]
(@karenlangtree)
Donna Fawcett, KS2 teacher: “Can I just say an enormous well done for writing such a fantastic
book 'A Tiger too many' you had us on the edge of our seats! Grace read the book at bedtime over
three nights and that is good going for a bit of a reluctant reader! I must tell you that your book then
inspired her to read and read and she has not stopped - so thank you for that!”
Judith Corcoran, KS2 teacher, Chessington: “A Tiger Too Many proved to be an excellent
starting point for the children’s learning about World War 2. From the opening paragraph they were
hooked into the story and their interest in the war was captured. The pace and suspense of the story
maintained their enthusiasm and the constant references to the events of the war and the way in
which it impacted upon everyday life enabled their learning to be extended. The book sparked a
wealth of writing opportunities.”
An Amazon reader review: “This book really gripped my daughter who is 11. She couldn't put it
down and read it in three evenings. We were going to read it together but she couldn't help but finish
the book on her own because she was so excited by the story and loved the characters! She told me
each morning what had happened in what she'd read the night before, with eyes wide open, bursting
to tell me the details. She told me that she feels like Antony Wootten "didn't need pictures in his
books because he creates pictures with words" and she feels very strongly that he should write a
sequel to this book. I felt that it was extremely well written and I would agree with everything my
daughter has said about it. I think this particular combination of subject matter, adventure and
character development is inspired! We are looking forward now to reading all of Antony Wootten's
books!”
A Tiger Too Many
Grown-ups Can’t Be Friends
With Dragons
Brian is always in trouble at school, and his
home life is far from peaceful. So he often
runs away to the cave by the sea where he
has happy memories. But there is something
else in the cave: a creature, lonely and confused. Together they visit
another world where they find wonderful friends, but also deadly
enemies. Brian's life is torn between the two worlds, and he begins to
feel that, in his own world at least, grown-ups can't be friends with
dragons.
TheBookbag.co.uk: “a lovely story, particularly for the older tweens and younger teens,
touching, as it does, on some serious issues - the loss of a parent, teenage pregnancy and the child
who feels isolated. It's all done in a non-preachy fashion and I'd like to thank the publisher for
sending a copy to the Bookbag.”
LoveReading4Kids: “a fast-paced and ultimately heart-warming tale that will appeal to 8+ year
olds, particularly boys and a lovely read for fathers and sons to share.”
Michelle Nicholson, Primary School Teacher, North Yorkshire: "Picked this book up on
Saturday night and couldn't put it down until it was finished. Gripping story. Each chapter left me
wanting more!!! I just had to know how it ended. As a primary school teacher I could relate the
main character's feelings to some of the children I have worked with, and we can all relate to feeling
that the world is against us sometimes. What an excellent read. Can't wait for more! Worth every
penny...and more!"
A letter from a parent:
Dear Antony,
My daughter and I recently finished reading your book ‘Grown-ups Can’t Be Friends With Dragons’
and I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you how much we enjoyed the story. We found it
completely absorbing and very moving. We would look forward to bedtime reading to see what
drama would unfold in the next chapter. As a teacher of drama I really appreciated each character
and how they interacted with one another and the final chapter lefts us feeling like we had lived the
adventure with Brian! Thank you for giving us a wonderful experience.
We look forward to reading more of your work.
Best regards,
Jason Anders
An Amazon reader review: “This book works brilliantly on so many levels. My daughter had
intuitively described the dragon as the main character's counsellor and now I've read it, I can see
what she meant. This is the story of a boy becoming a young man and realising that life is indeed
about helping others. There are the two sides to the main character's life, the real, very emotionally
difficult side and the imaginary/ fantasy side which helps him reconcile himself to his alcoholic
father. The dragon helps heal the boy and Antony Wooten never sherks away from addressing
difficult themes. The book is exciting, moving and thought provoking about the meaning of life and
about why people are as they are. It's compassionate in it's portrayal of the characters and paints
wonderful pictures in the mind.”
Grown-ups Can’t Be Friends With Dragons
The Grubby Feather Gang is a short book for KS2
readers. At just 100 pages, it also makes a great
choice for teachers looking for a guided reading or
class reading book which can be completed in half
a term.
It is 1916, and George’s father refuses to go and fight in the trenches of World
War 1. He is branded a coward, and George does not know what to think.
Worse still, the school bully hangs George upside-down from the hayloft, and
the next day, George gets the cane! So, with a bit of help from Emma, a curious
newcomer to the village, he decides to take daring and drastic revenge on both
the bully and his teacher. But he could never have predicted what happens
next…
The Grubby Feather Gang is the story of four friends helping each other cope
with their parents’ problems.
(the late) Jonny Zucker - children’s author: “A well plotted novel about
children living through tough times. A very entertaining read.”
Karen Langtree - children’s author: “Just finished reading this. Another
great book Antony. Love your characters. Love the issues you chose to explore.
Love how it flows. Will there be another?”
Achuka: “If subsequent titles are as good as this, ACHUKA will be happy to
help promote them.” Read Achuka’s review - click here!
TheBookbag.co.uk: “The Grubby Feather Gang is a book to read and discuss
- and the characters will stay with you for a long time after you've turned the
final page.” Read thebookbag.co.uk’s full review - click here!
The School Librarian: “There is much to think about in this strong
narrative. In just one hundred pages of crisp prose and sharp observations we
are invited to consider war and pacifism, cowardice and bravery, family
tensions, conscription, bullying and friendship. That may sound rather heavy,
but this story is warm, uplifting, and ultimately positive.” Read the full review
(WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS!) - Click here!
Red City Review: “Antony Wootten does a nice job of getting the reader to
see that each character, including the children’s abrasive teacher, behave in
certain ways that one simply cannot understand without digging deeper into
the person’s circumstances. A nice read to start a conversation on oftentimes
hushed topics, The Grubby Feather Gang is a great book to read together with
one’s older elementary to middle and high school age children.”
The Grubby Feather Gang
The Grubby Feather Gang
A collection of Antony’s hilarious limericks for all
the family to enjoy. Featuring everything from
King Arthur and his knights to inter-stellar space-
travel, There Was An Old Fellow From Skye is packed with tiny tales which will
tickle the ribs of children and adults alike.
LoveReading4Kids.co.uk: “This is a little pot of gold with lots of clever rhymes
guaranteed to make you laugh.”
Amazon reader: “5.0 out of 5 stars Highly amusing! I read this to my 8 year old - we
did the full book in one night, once we started we couldn't stop. The limericks are cleverly
written and appeal to young and old alike.”
There Was An Old Fellow
From Skye
There Was An Old Fellow From Skye
Season of the Mammoth is an adventure story for
KS2 readers. It offers teachers a way in to some
challenging topics such as immigration, racism,
peer pressure and climate change. At just 100
pages, it makes a great class or group reader for
primary schools.
Trouble is brewing in the tribe. The people are divided. Some want to go to
war against the wanderers who travel to their valley every year to hunt
mammoths, but others see that the wanderers are dying out and need help.
Geb and Tannash, the son and daughter of the tribal leader, along with their
strange friend, Scrim, are caught in the middle as the tribe splits apart and
turns on itself. Can they – should they – help defend the wanderers?
Season of the Mammoth is a short book for KS2 readers. At just 100 pages, it
also makes a great choice for teachers looking for a guided reading or class
reading book which can be completed in half a term.
TheBookbag.co.uk: “Season of the Mammoth packs a lot of story and action into its
one hundred pages. […] It's a great, pacy story, full of action and excitement, and plenty
of heroism, but it also leads into wider themes that can be discussed in the context of
modern life. There's the obvious parallel of prejudice and racism - what's wrong with
the wanderers? Is different the same thing as bad? And immigration - should land and
homes be shared with incomers? And climate change too - what happens when the
ecology is shifting and resources are getting scarcer? How do we share equitably?
Season of the Mammoth is a great book for confident readers coming into KS2. The
story itself is engaging, entertaining and exciting and offers a vicarious peek into a long
ago world. But it also provides a platform for constructive discussion about the big
topics of today. One for the classroom or for parents and child to share.
Recommended.”
Amazon reader: “A most unusual subject yet a really compelling read. Once started I
became engrossed in the power battle between the rivals. The characters come alive and
the story builds to an exciting climax. Recommended for adults as well as children!”
A US Amazon reader’s review: “This story is divided into ten parts plus, at the end,
informative author’s notes. The reading is very appealing and captivating. This tale is
aimed at children aged 9-12; it is a simple read that catches any young reader’s
attention. It tells the story of a tribe in which people are divided in two; those who want
to go to war against the wanderers and those who want to help them. Geb, Tannash and
Scrim are caught in the middle of all this not knowing if helping the wanderers or not.
The author used a third person narrator point of view, which is great to describe all the
action of his work. I think this is perfect for children’s books. His writing style is very
good; it is simple and easy to understand.
All in all, this is a perfect read for children. My niece and nephew loved the story. I am
sure I am reading more books from this author. Well deserved 5 stars go to Season of
the Mammoth.”
Season of the Mammoth
Season of the Mammoth
