Hazel Townson facts for kids

Hazel Townson (born April 12, 1928 – died October 11, 2010) was an English author who wrote many books for children. She published over seventy books starting in 1975. Her stories were enjoyed in many countries, including the Netherlands, Spain, France, and Japan.

Hazel Townson's Writing Career

Hazel Townson started her writing journey at Punch magazine. She wrote for them regularly for many years. The magazine asked her to review children's books. This work eventually inspired her to write her own stories.

She also worked as a Chief Assistant Librarian in Greater Manchester. In this job, she was in charge of libraries in 110 schools. She also looked after eleven public children's libraries and four colleges.

Her very first book, called Looking for Lossie, came out in 1975. By 1998, Townson had published 55 books. These books included everything from picture books for younger kids to novels for teenagers.

Some of Hazel Townson's books were even made into TV shows. These included The Speckled Panic and Terrible Tuesday. She also wrote stories for TV programs like Time for a Story, Tickle on the Tum, and Story World on Granada Television.

In an article for Books for Keeps, Townson talked about how lucky she was with her illustrators. She mentioned Philippe Dupasquier and Tony Ross. She said they both understood childhood perfectly. They added funny touches and seemed to remember their own early days very well. She loved how their pictures had so many fun details. For example, in Terrible Tuesday, Tony Ross drew gunmen threatening a bank manager. Not only did the manager have his hands up, but also a baby in a pram, a statue, a dog, and even birds!

Hazel Townson often visited schools, libraries, and colleges. She also spoke to writers' groups. She loved talking about children's books and helping young writers. In 1985, she became the head of the panel for the "Lancashire Children's Book of the Year" award.

In 2005, Virgin Atlantic chose her newest book, The Adventures of a Lottery Winner. They put it in about 50,000 children's goodie bags on their planes.

About Hazel Townson's Life

Hazel Townson was born in Nelson, Lancashire. She grew up in the Pendle valley. She went to Accrington High School. Later, she studied English at the University of Leeds.

She was married to Kenneth Smith, who passed away. She had two children, Christopher and Catherine. She was also a grandmother to John, Vickie, Max, and Clea. Later, she became a great-grandmother to Leon.

Hazel Townson passed away on October 11, 2010, at the age of 82. She was surrounded by her family. She had been bravely facing Alzheimer's disease for a long time. She lived in Prestwich Hills, Greater Manchester.

The Lenny and Jake Series

• The Great Ice-Cream Crime (1981)
• The Siege of Cobb Street School (1983)
• The Vanishing Gran (1983)
• Haunted Ivy (1984)
• The Crimson Crescent (1986)
• The Staggering Snowman (1987)
• Fireworks Galore! (1988)
• Walnut Whirl (1989)
• Hopping Mad (1991)
• The Kidnap Report (1992)
• A Night on Smugglers' Island (1993)
• The Sign of the Crab (1994)
• Cats and Burglars (1995)
• The Clue of the Missing Cufflink (1996)
• Trouble on the Train (1997)

Tiger Young Readers' Series

• Through the Witch's Window (1989)
• Amos Shrike, the School Ghost (1990)
• Snakes Alive (1991)
• Blue Magic (1992)

The Speckled Panic Series

• The Speckled Panic (1982)
• The Choking Peril (1985)
• Hot Stuff (1991)
• The One-Day Millionaires (1995)
• Coughdrop Calamity (1995)

Picture Books

• What on Earth...?
• Terrible Tuesday

Other Titles

• Pilkie's Progress (1988)
• Who's Afraid of the Evil Eye (1994)
• The Moving Statue
• The Deathwood Letters (2003)
• The Secret of Celia
• Two Weird Weeks (2003)
• Disaster Bag
• Rumpus on the Roof
• Trouble Doubled
• The Peckthorn Monster
• The Shrieking Face
• Your Dad, My Mum (2001)
• Ignorance is Bliss (2001)
• Invisible Boy (2002)
• Diamond Hunt (2003)
• The Adventures of a Lottery Winner (2004)
• Shots in the Dark (2004)
• The Secret Room (2004)
• Danny - Don't Jump (2005)
• Snakes Alive! and Other Stories (2005)
• Dark Deeds at Deathwood: Deathwood Letters 2 (2006)
• Vanishing Village (2007)
• Deathwood Damian Strikes Again (2008)