- During WWII, his family had to evacuate their home near Belfast's shipyards after a heavy bombardment by German planes. They settled in nearby Lisburn, where his father worked at the local newspaper.
- He graduated from Trinity College in Dublin. He was a history teacher for 20 years before becoming a full-time writer.
- Author of the children's classic book "Guess How Much I Love You", which memorably ends with "I love you right up to the moon -- and back". It has been translated into 57 languages. He wrote dozens of other children's books as well.
- Worked as a primary and secondary school teacher from 1970 until 1990 before taking an early retirement to focus on writing full time.
- His first novel, Mark Time, was written in 1969. The book was ultimately published by Abelard-Schuman in 1976.
- Studied history and political science at Trinity College in Dublin.
- Published more than 50 books for children and young adults.
- His most popular children's book, 1994's "Guess How Much I Love You", has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, and has been translated into 53 languages.
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