Graham Oakley facts for kids

Graham Thomas Oakley (born August 27, 1929 – died December 19, 2022) was a talented English writer and artist. He is most famous for creating wonderful children's books. His stories and illustrations have delighted children for many years.

About Graham Oakley's Life

Early Life and Beginnings

Graham Oakley was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. His parents were Thomas and Flora Oakley.

Starting His Art Career

Graham Oakley studied art at the Warrington Art School in 1950. After that, he worked in different creative jobs. From 1950 to 1955, he was a scenic artist for London's repertory theatre companies. This means he painted the backgrounds and sets for plays.

He also worked at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden from 1955 to 1957. There, he was a design assistant. Later, from 1962 to 1967, he became a set designer for films and TV shows at BBC-TV. He helped create the look for popular series like How Green Was My Valley, Nicholas Nickleby, Treasure Island, and Softly, Softly.

Graham Oakley's Famous Books

Graham Oakley is best known for two main series of books. The first is The Church Mice series, which he wrote from 1970 to 2000. The second is The Foxbury Force series, published from 1994 to 1998.

He also won a special award in 1980. It was for his unique picture book called Graham Oakley's Magical Changes. This book had detailed drawings on pages that were cut in half. This allowed readers to mix and match the top and bottom parts of the pictures. It created many funny and strange new combinations! In 2001, this book was re-released in France as 512, named after the 512 different combinations possible.

The Church Mice Books

The Church Mice series tells the adventures of a group of mice and their cat friend, Arthur. They live in a church and often get into exciting situations.

• The Church Mouse - Atheneum, 1972
• The Church Cat Abroad - Atheneum, 1973
• The Church Mice and the Moon - Atheneum, 1974
• The Church Mice Spread Their Wings - Macmillan (London), 1975
• The Church Mice Adrift - Macmillan (London), 1976
• The Church Mice at Bay - Macmillan (London), 1978
• The Church Mice at Christmas - Atheneum, 1980
• The Church Mice in Action - Macmillan (London), 1982
• The Diary of a Church Mouse - Macmillan (London), 1986
• The Church Mice and the Ring, 1992
• Humphrey Hits the Jackpot - Hodder Children's Books, 1998
• The Church Mice Take a Break - Hodder Children's Books, 2000

Two of his books, The Church Mice Adrift and The Church Mice in Action, were highly praised. They were runners-up for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1976 and 1982. This award celebrates the best children's book illustrations by a British subject.

The Foxbury Force Books

The Foxbury Force series follows a group of animal characters who act as a special police force. They solve mysteries and help their community.

• The Foxbury Force - Macmillan, 1995
• Foxbury Force And The Pirates - Macmillan, 1996
• The Foxbury Force & The Ghost - Macmillan, 1998

Later Years and Passing

In his later years, Graham Oakley lived in Lyme Regis, Dorset, England. By 2008, he was mostly retired from writing and illustrating.

Graham Oakley passed away in Dorset on December 19, 2022. He was 93 years old. His wonderful stories and artwork continue to be enjoyed by children and families around the world.

See also

• Movable books