British children's author Jeremy Strong, who wrote more than 100 books with a focus on middle-grade titles, died August 5. He was 74. The Bookseller reported that Strong studied English at York University, after which he was a teacher and head teacher. He became a full-time writer in 1991.
His bestselling titles included The Hundred-mile-an-hour Dog, My Sister's Got a Spoon Up Her Nose, Viking at School, My Brother's Famous Bottom, and The Indoor Pirates on Treasure Island. Earlier this year, Strong signed a deal for Fox Goes North, a fable about friendship and "saying goodbye to the ones we love."
"In a career spanning six decades, Jeremy Strong proved himself time and again to be the king of comedy," said Puffin editorial director Ben Horslen, who edited Strong for many years, adding that "he demonstrated a laser instinct for what kids find funny, honed by his years as a primary school teacher. That time in the classroom also fostered a lifelong passion to, as he put it, 'encourage reading amongst ordinary children.' His books delivered an irresistible blend of anarchic energy, clever wordplay and hilarious characters that could tempt even the most reluctant reader.
"At his many thousands of public events, Jeremy was brilliant at talking to children, making them laugh, bringing his stories alive. In private, he was intelligent, thoughtful, unfailingly courteous and, above all, kind. Always quick to credit those who supported his books--teachers, librarians and booksellers--he often made light of his considerable talent. But the millions of sales speak for themselves."
Scholastic group managing director Catherine Bell said: "Jeremy was a wonderful writer who did so much to inspire and engage children with books and reading for the sheer joy of it. Starting his career as a primary school teacher, Jeremy became a brilliantly talented storyteller whose empathy, warmth and humor always shone through his work, often using his teaching experiences to great humorous effect."
Anthony Goff, Strong's longtime literary agent, added: "Jeremy had a phenomenal career lasting more than 40 years and with over a hundred books published. Children adored his humor and many people have told me that their love of reading started with his books. In person he was gentle and kind, and he had a sense of fun that matched his writing exactly. Representing him has never been anything less than a complete pleasure."