Ben Spies

Eleven years old. Published author. Best author name ever. Ben Spies is going places for sure.

Ben is like any other boy. He loves playing with his friends, lego, and of course reading a good book. Ben is inspired by what he reads. His first book Weirdo was written when Ben was 9 and he read a lot of Andy Griffiths. His second book, The Magic Pencil, was written when Ben was reading a lot of David Walliams books. At the moment Ben is reading Rick Riordan, which has inspired him to write a book about Greek Mythology.

His funny and adventure-packed books are perfect for readers aged seven and up. It is great for kids to read something written by someone just like them. The opportunity to, not only enjoy a brilliant story, but also to see that age is no barrier to pursuing your passion is a precious and exciting thing.

“Ben started writing since a very young age and as a mother, I followed his lonely journey for many years not knowing how I could reward or recognise his passion for writing until when he was 9 and I decided to publish his book - Weirdo - and give to him as a present. I organised an amazing book launch for friends and family at our local library. Ben's father illustrated the book. It's great to have our family involved in the whole process.

The book was more than a gift for Ben, since the launch he's never stopped writing and his stories became funnier and more interesting which led me and my husband to take the plunge and start Spies Publishing - an independent publishing house creating children's books actually written by a child.”

- Renata Spies, awesome mum.

Ben wrote his second book when he was 10. The Magic Pencil is about a boy named Bob. One day, on his way to school, Bob finds a magical pencil. But someone wants to take over the world, and they will do anything to get that pencil. The story follows Bob and his friends on their journey to defeat The Fakeys and save the world.

It’s definitely worth checking out what kids (and adults) have to say about Ben’s books here.