Griffiths, Andy (1961-…), is a popular Australian author of children’s books . Most of his books have been illustrated by the Australian illustrator and author Terry Denton.
Griffiths has created many series of humorous books, gaining special recognition for his “Just!” series. The books consist of short stories told by a boy named Andy, described as “the world’s greatest, craziest, most annoying, and most stupid practical joker.” Many of Andy’s comical adventures involve his best friend, Danny. The series began with Just Tricking! (1997). The book was published in the United States as Just Joking! (2003). The “Just!” series was adapted into a Canadian animated television series called “What’s with Andy?” (2001-2007).
Griffiths first gained fame with Swinging on the Clothesline (1993) and Rubbish Bins in Space (1995). Both books are collections of short stories and writing exercises that explore different types of subject matter and styles. The books were intended to inspire and stimulate students to take up writing, and both books have been widely used in Australian schools.
A boy named Zack Freeman is the hero of the “Bum” series, three novels that consist of The Day My Bum Went Psycho (2001), Zombie Bums from Uranus (2003), and Bumageddon: The Final Pongflict (2005).
“Andy & Terry’s Wonderful World of Stupidity” is a series of illustrated reference books that explore such topics as dinosaurs and the human body.The series began with What Bumosaur Is That? (2007). Terry and Andy are the main characters in the “Treehouse” series, which began with The 13-Story Treehouse (2011). With the release of each book in the series, another 13 stories is added to the treehouse in which Andy and Terry live. The 65-Story Treehouse (2015) became one of the fastest-selling books by an Australian author. The “Treehouse” books have also been adapted into highly successful stage plays.
The “Schooling Around” series describes the wild activities at Northwest Southeast Central School, starting with Treasure Fever! (2008). Andypedia (2012) is a complete guide to all of Griffiths’s stories and characters.
Andrew Griffiths was born on Sept. 3, 1961, in Melbourne. He worked as a rock musician and as an English teacher before becoming a full-time author.
