David Melling
David Melling was born in Oxford and still lives near the city. His father was a sculptor and Melling inherited his artistic leanings. He previously worked as a photographer and as an animation artist for films including the much-loved Father Christmas, based on the book by Raymond Briggs.
One of Melling's most popular picture books, The Tale of Jack Frost, was animated and shown on BBC1 on Christmas Day with a voiceover by Hugh Laurie. It was shortlisted for the Pulcinella Award 2005 for the Best TV Movie category.
David is married and lives with his wife and two children.
Books
Cwning-od I Fyny Ac I Lawr / Funny Bunnies Up and Down (bilingual)
Author: David Melling Adapted by Mared Edwards
Publisher: Atebol
Interest age: 0-5
Llyfr bwrdd hwyliog yn llawn symudiadau i’w gwneud gyda’r plant.
A fun and bold board book full of actions that you can do with children.
Goldilocks and the Three Crocodiles
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: David Melling
Publisher: Harper Collins
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+
A funny re-imagining of the classic Goldilocks fairy tale, involving three scary crocodiles! Told in brilliant rhyming prose by Michael Rosen, with beautiful illustrations by David Melling.
Mae Goldilocks a'i chi Tiddles yn cychwyn ar daith drwy'r goedwig dywyll er mwyn dod o hyd i'r tŷ hwnnw - yr un gyda'r cadeiriau, uwd, gwelyau a'r tair arth.
Hugless Douglas
Author: David Melling
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 4+
Douglas, a young brown bear, wakes up one spring needing a big hug. A large round rock is too heavy and a tall tree doesn't feel right, especially the splinters.
Hugless Douglas and the Big Sleep
Author: David Melling
Publisher: Hodder Childrens Books
- Part of the much-loved Hugless Douglas series about a huggable bear and his friends.
- Hugless Douglas is off to a sleepover at Rabbit's, but will some extra guests fit?
- Funny words, ilustrations and characters should have your preschooler giggling.
Hugless Douglas and the Great Cake Bake
Author: David Melling
Publisher: Hodder
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+
Douglas wakes up to find sticky honey footprints leading from his cupboard to the tree outside, where the sheep are collecting everything they need to bake honey cakes. Problem is, Douglas needs to put honey on everything he eats, otherwise it doesn't taste right!
Hugless Douglas Goes to School
Author: David Melling
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Interest age: 4-5
Hugless Douglas has a great first day of school when he shows everyone his favourite activity.
Just Like My Dad
Author: David Melling
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 6+
A little lion cub loves and respects his dad. He wants to grow up to be just like him, with sharp teeth, long nails and a swishy tail.
Knight in Training: spots, stripes and zigzags
Author: Vivian French Illustrator: David Melling
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+
Sam longs to become a Truly Noble Knight, but must first complete a series of tasks, which are revealed to him on a magical scroll. This is the fourth amusing tale in the exciting Knight in Training series, which is ideal for young confident readers.
Merry Christmas, Hugless Douglas
Author: David Melling
Publisher: Hodder
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
A new Christmas edition of the popular bear hug series that is full of wintry fun - and even features ideas for things to try yourself this winter.
Ruffles and the Teeny, Tiny Kittens
Author: David Melling
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 2-5
Meet Ruffles, the playful puppy, as he learns to share his space and belongings with a litter of kittens. There's no finger-wagging here, only tail wagging – the tone is light and fun and the message about sharing with others sinks in through humour and repetition.
The Star-faced Crocodile
Author: David Melling
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 6+
When a banjo-playing bear sees a crocodile in a pool whose face is framed in the reflection of a star, he wants it as a friend.