About the Author

Ben Spies wrote `Weirdo' when he was only nine years old. A wild imagination and a passion for writing were the main ingredients that inspired him to start writing books. Ben has always loved writing and reading, particularly books with lots and lots of adventures. Ben has a very peculiar, funny sense of humour and he loves character with funny names... but most of all, Ben loves making people laugh through his writing. Since Weirdo, he hasn't stopped writing and his new book - `The Magic Pencil' followed soon after.

Reviews

Review: Balmoral School Librarian
Weirdo has recently been reviewed by the assistant librarian at Balmoral School. Anita was blown away by Ben's language, imagination and sense of humour.
"For example, to shake off the boss poacher who's hanging off their escape helicopter, Ben sings a horrible song on loop until the poacher drops off with the torture of it. Everyday speech packed with dialogue propels the action (Quick, swing! Take cover!) Ben uses present tense to heighten the reality, and there are jokes and laughs on every page. "Claire hits Max where it really hurts for a boy..."

Kapiti Now
Ben was interviewed by the Kapiti Now and they too were fascinated by Ben's passion to write and create stories for his peers to enjoy.
They loved the fact that Ben's books have an authentic child's voice:
"Most books written for children are authored by adults, the true point of difference in Ben's books is that they are written by a child, for children. Through a child's eyes, and with a child's voice. The irreverent humour and story-telling from a young person's perspective mean that these books really speak to their audience in an authentic tone that they understand and enjoy."