People like Andy Stanton

Andy Joel Stanton (born 14 November 1973) is an English children's writer. He is best known for writing the Mr Gum book series alongside illustrator David Tazzyman, through which he made a popular contribution to children's literature. Stanton's writing is influenced by Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton.

Stanton grew up in the London suburbs of Harrow and Pinner and attended the Latymer School in Hammersmith. He studied English at Oxford University, but was "kicked out". He has worked as a stand-up comedian, a film script reader, a cartoonist, and as a temporary medical secretary for the NHS.

The Mr Gum books are set in the fictitious town of Lamonic Bibber. The town has its own fictional newspaper, The Lamonical Chronicle, which features on the Mr Gum website as "Lamonic Bibber's second best and only paper". Characters in the books include Old King Thunder Belly and Polly. The books have won numerous prizes including the 2007 Red House Children's Book Award, two Blue Peter Book Awards for Best Book With Pictures, and the inaugural Roald Dahl Funny Prize in 2008 for Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear.