Francesca Simon

Francesca Isabella Simon MBE (born 23 February 1955) is an American-born British children's author best known for the Horrid Henry series. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in California, she studied medieval studies and Old English at Yale and Jesus College, Oxford. After a period as a journalist she began writing children's books full-time following the birth of her son. Her Horrid Henry stories, illustrated by Tony Ross, have sold millions of copies worldwide and been translated into many languages. She has served as a judge for several children's book prizes, received a Gold Blue Peter badge, and was appointed MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours. She lives in North London.