Dave Lowe
Dave is a Brisbane-based writer of thirteen acclaimed junior fiction and middle grade books, four plays, and has co-written an episode of the TV show ‘Bluey’.
His Stinky and Jinks books (Piccadilly) follow the exciting adventures of a boy and his genius hamster. The first book, My Hamster is a Genius, was highly-commended at the prestigious Sheffield Book Awards in the UK in 2013 (second only to Tom Gates) and the series (six books) has been translated into seven languages, and has sold over 200,000 copies worldwide. The series was reprinted in a new edition in 2018.
Dave is also the author of two Squirrel Boy books, illustrated by Cate James, about a new kind of superhero, and his 73-year-old sidekick, Mrs Onions. The first book, Squirrel Boy vs The Bogeyman, won a Lancashire Fantastic Book award in 2016.
Dave’s The Incredible Dadventure series (released by Allen & Unwin in Australia) follows the hilarious, death-defying adventures of Holly and her explorer dad. The series was included in the UK-wide Summer Reading Program and the first book, The Incredible Dadventure, won the Teach Primary Award in 2018.
In 2019 and 2020, alongside writing new middle grade fiction, Dave adapted Andy Griffiths’ Aussie classic The Day My Bum Went Psycho for the stage – it had a sell-out run – as well as an adaptation of My Hamster is a Genius, and two original fractured fairy tales, Goldie! And Cinderella and the Seven Dwarfs.
He’s also co-written Café, an episode of the hit TV show, Bluey.
In 2023, Dave has released two new books: Rocket, a middle-grade novel about a 12-year-old girl who moves to regional Queensland but wants to keep her dream of playing for the Matildas alive (Five Mile Press); and Pixies vs Fairies, the first book in a new junior fiction series - published by Hachette (in the UK and Australia). Dave is also working on new episodes of Bluey.
Praise for Dave’s ‘Stinky and Jinks’ books:
“With its use of plentiful humour, terrific characters, simple language and appealing illustrations, this series is perfect for emerging independent readers.” Sunday Tasmanian.
“Full of humour and banter that will make you laugh out loud.” Manchester Evening News, Children’s Book of the Week.
Praise for Rocket:
“Full of heart, laughs, and football. I loved it.” Nova Weetman, author of ‘Sick Bay’ and ‘The Jammer’.
Talks and Workshops
General Author Talk
(45 – 60 minutes, prep – Grade 6)
In this fun, highly-interactive session, Dave talks about where he gets his ideas, and gives the students great advice about coming up with plots, creating memorable characters and hooking the reader from the start. Dave’s session is packed with tips, jokes, and quizzes, a reading from one of his books, with time at the end for quickfire student Q&As.
Workshops
Creative Writing Workshop
(45 minutes to 3 hours, Grades 2 to 8)
In this fun, interactive session, tailored to the needs of the students, Dave covers Sizzling Starts, Creating Memorable Characters, Creating Satisfying Plots, Using Strong Vocabulary, Show v Tell, Rhythm, Cliffhangers, Writing Interesting Dialogue, and Editing.
Writing Funny
(45 minutes to 1 hour, Grades 2 – 8)
In this hilarious session, Dave shares advice for using humour in writing, focusing on The Rule of Three, surprise, the role of exaggeration and hyperbole, the importance of word order, and creating funny dialogue – and, throughout, the students get to create their own funny sentences.
Choose Your Own Adventure!
(45 minutes to 2 hours, Grades 3 – 8)
‘Choose Your Adventure’ books have been popular with readers for decades. In this entertaining session, with Dave’s advice and support, students plan and produce their own short ‘choose your own’ book that they can try out on friends and family.
Testimonials
Connected well with the students. Session was very relevant to current curriculum. Students rushed to library to borrow his books!
Thornlands State School - August, 2024Dave's presentation was relevant, entertaining and engaging for the Year 2 students. He made the students think, but he also made them laugh. It was a great combination of information and entertainment.
Yarrabilba State School - August, 2024This was the second year in a row we've had Dave visit our school, and as always, he was the ideal presenter. Professional, punctual, but most importantly, incredibly engaging for the students and teachers. Our classes will be using Dave's writing tips to write their stories for the rest of the term.
St. Andrew's Anglican College - April, 2024Not only does Dave provide the students with strategies for their writing, but also supports Teachers with different ways to teach and help students to plan for their task. His presentation was engaging and he involved the students.
Elimbah State School - February 2024Very engaging for students with great creative tips for writing.
St. Bernardine's School - August, 2023
Pixies vs Fairies
Rocket
The Incredible Dadventure
The Mumbelievable Challenge
My Hamster Is A Genius
My Hamster Is An Astronaut
My Hamster's Got Talent
My Hamster Is A Pirate
My Hamster Is A Spy
Squirrel Boy vs The Bogeyman
My Hamster is a Detective
Squirrel Boy V's the Squirrel Hunter
Queensland
Speaker type
- Author