Dave Cousins

Dave Cousins’ books have been hailed as "teen realism with action, humour and heart". He is also the author/illustrator of the Charlie Merrick's Misfits series, and the Robot Babysitter stories for younger readers. His writing career began aged ten, drawing comics and penning lyrics for an imaginary pop group. Dave says that reading and writing stories helped him navigate the bumpy roads of teenage life and hopes that his own books will play a similar role for today’s readers.

Published in over twelve languages, 15 Days without a Head was a Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week, a Junior Library Guild Selection in the US, and has won awards in both the UK and Europe. Waiting for Gonzo won the Grampian Children's Book Award, and was shortlisted for the prestigious German Children’s Literature Prize in 2017. Gonzo also has its own original soundtrack album and music videos. Both books were nominated for the Carnegie Medal.

The first Charlie Merrick's Misfits adventure Fouls, Friends & Football was described as “football—Tom Gates style”. It was selected for the Book Trust School Library Programme and the First Minister’s Reading Challenge in Scotland. The next instalment, I’m a Nobody, Get Me Out of Here! was chosen as one of The Times Best Summer Reads. The story finds Charlie and the gang stranded at a bush-craft and survival training camp, and features a number of real survival tips.

Dave's newest series about ten year old twins Jake and Jess and their robot babysitter Robin has been described as "very funny … with Dahlian shades … and a lot of heart".