Reading Champion: The Hen-Duck

Lynne Benton was born in Bournemouth, but moved to Bath at 18 to train as a teacher, and has lived there ever since. She has taught in several primary schools in the area, as well as working as pianist and receptionist in a dancing school and bringing up four children. In 1982 she and her husband, Robin, a fellow-teacher and composer, co-wrote a musical play for primary schools based on the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece (still, happily, in print) but it was only when their children began leaving home for university that she began writing seriously. In 1996 she was a prizewinner in the Independent's Children's Story of the Year competition, and since then has had several fiction books published. As well as writing longer novels for older children she enjoys writing humorous "bite-size" stories for younger ones. She welcomes invitations to go into schools and talk to children about her books, since it keeps her in touch with her readers, who she finds a continual source of inspiration.From an early age, I have had in mind to draw and play with colours, so much so that I naturally went to the National School of Fine Arts in Caen which I attended from 1991 to 1995 (option visual communication). Right after a short stay in the multimedia market, I illustrated my first album for the young "Who is sticking out the tongue?" published by Magnard Edition in 2002, some more followed. Moreover, I work for the young children press, Milan Press, Fleurus Press. I also work for publishing agencies and administrations. I live and work in Normandy where I was born. While I am picturing a story, I please myself thinking up a funny and coloured world with a hint of tenderness.