About the Author

Jane was born 17 December 1954 and brought up in Kettering, Northamptonshire, England. From 1972 to 1975 Jane attend the University of Birmingham where she earned a combined Bachelor of Arts with honours in archaeology and history. In 1981 she completed a PhD in archaeology from University College London. On 5 November 1977 Jane married Chemical Engineer Martin Clarke, whose work took them to Mexico, Brazil, the United States, Wales and the Netherlands. Together they raised two sons, Andrew and Robert (both born in Wales) . During her doctoral studies Jane lectured at University College London (1978-79) . Thereafter she lectured at University College Cardiff in Wales part time (1981-83) , and also taught history at Bryn Hafren School in Barry, Wales (1979-83) . After Jane moved with her family to the Netherlands (Koewacht) , she began working part time as a librarian at the Antwerp International School. It was during this time when she started her career as a children's author. Jane's husband, Martin, died of a heart attack in Antwerp, Belgium on 20 December 2001. In June 2005, Jane moved from the Netherlands back to Kent (near Deal) in England where she now lives. Aside from writing children's books, Jane spends a significant amount of time inspiring children to read and write. She frequently visits schools throughout the UK and Europe to do so. Jane Clarke is a team writer on three different popular series. Dinosaur Cove (series created by Working Partners Ltd. and published by Oxford University Press) , Puddle the naughtiest puppy (series created by Working Partners Ltd. and published by Ladybird Books Ltd. ) and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home (created by Random House Children's Books and published by Red Fox. ) Jane has also done support work for various charitable organisations including Ellenor Lions Children's Hospice, Institute of Cancer Research (The Clapham Grand) , Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and READ (promotes reading in Africa) .

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