Sam McBratney facts for kids

Samuel McBratney (born March 1, 1943 – died September 18, 2020) was a famous writer from Northern Ireland. He wrote over 50 books for kids and young adults. He is most famous for his best-selling children's book, Guess How Much I Love You. This book has sold more than 30 million copies around the world. It has also been translated into 53 different languages.

Sam McBratney's Life Story

Early Life and Teaching Career

Sam McBratney was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on March 1, 1943. He went to Trinity College Dublin and studied history. After college, he worked as a teacher. He taught in both primary and secondary schools from 1970 until 1990. In 1990, he decided to stop teaching early. This allowed him to focus all his time on writing books. Sam McBratney was married to Maralyn, who was also a teacher. They had three children together.

Becoming a Published Author

Sam McBratney wrote his very first novel, Mark Time, in 1969. At first, he found it hard to get a publisher for this book. He described it as a story about young love before puberty. The book was finally published in 1976 by Abelard-Schuman.

While he was still teaching, McBratney wrote part-time. By the time he retired from teaching in 1990, he had published 23 novels. Most of these books were for young adult readers.

Famous Books for Young Readers

One of his most popular books for young adults was The Chieftain's Daughter. This historical novel came out in 1993. It was set in the 5th century and won an award in 1994. Other well-known books include The Lough Neagh Monster (1994) and Put a Saddle on a Pig (1991). The book Put a Saddle on a Pig was later re-released as You Just Don't Listen in 1993.

Later, his editor suggested he write a picture book for younger children. This led him to work with the artist Anita Jeram. Together, they created Guess How Much I Love You. This beloved book was first published by Walker Books in 1994.

The Success of Guess How Much I Love You

Guess How Much I Love You quickly became very popular. It sold over 150,000 copies in just four months. By September 1995, more than a million copies had been sold worldwide. The book is often given as a gift for new parents, weddings, and other special moments. It has become a modern classic that many people love. Sales of the book have continued to grow over the years. It is often listed as one of the most popular children's books ever.

A follow-up book to Guess How Much I Love You was planned. It is called Will You be my Friend. This book was published after Sam McBratney passed away in September 2020.

Later Years and Passing

Sam McBratney passed away on September 18, 2020. He was 77 years old.

Awards and Recognition

• Bisto Book of the Year Award for Teenage Fiction (1993) for Put a Saddle on the Pig.
• Bisto Book of the Year Merit Award (1994) for The Chieftain's Daughter.
• Griffel Award from the Children's Books Association of the Netherlands (1995).
• American Library Association Notable Children's Books (1996) for Guess How Much I Love You.