The Writers of Wales Database

BLAKE, JON

44 York St, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1NE
Tel: 02920 213053
Email: blake.blake@ntlworld.com
Website: www.jonblake.co.uk
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Cardiff resident since 1987, author of over fifty works of teenage and children’s fiction, translated into eleven languages, with worldwide sales of over a quarter of a million. Also occasional writer of children’s television drama, adult stage plays and radio comedy. Born in 1954, formerly resident in Southampton, York and Nottingham, has been an English and Drama teacher at all levels of the education system.

Currently visiting tutor in Creative Writing at the University of Wales, Newport; formerly lecturer at the University of Glamorgan (1994-2000). Involved as writer in many community projects. Shortlisted for the Children’s Book Award 1996, Writers’ Guild Best Children’s Script 1996.

Wales winner of BBC Talent radio comedy competition 2001 with Degrees R Us (series broadcast on Radio Wales). Writer of Todd and Blod (animation scripts teaching children creative writing) for BBC Soundbites. Also adult and children’s songwriter and performer – songs at www.soundclick.com/jonblake. Jon is a Member of The Welsh Academy.

Reviews:
With respect to The Last Free Cat (Hodder, 2008)

“…A very well-written and exceedingly satisfying chase novel set in an authoritarian Britain in the near future. Themes of corporate power, civil liberties, and personal responsibility lie under a tense and action-packed narrative. There’s something for everyone here, including a love story…”
Jill Murphy, Bookbag

“…The Last Free Cat is one of the best young adult adventures in a long time. Be prepared to share. Everyone will want to read this…”
Sam North, Hackwriters

"…A brilliant idea. . .a page turning thriller…"
Rosalind Kerven, Northern Echo

"…A story of optimism and solidarity in the face of oppression. The beauty of the relationship between human and animal is touchingly conveyed and the book culminates in a sense of hope that is truly uplifting…”
Ruth Taylor, Books For Keeps


Selected Publications:
Geoffrey’s First (Walker Teens, 1988)
You’re a Hero, Daley B (Walker Books, 1992)
Little Stupendo (Walker Books, 1995)
One Girl School (Oxford University Press, 2001)
Mystery Guest at the House of Fun (Hodder, 2006)
Holiday Mania at the House of Fun (Hodder, 2007)
Stinky Finger’s Peace and Love Thing (Hodder, 2007)
The Last Free Cat (Hodder, 2008)
Stinky Finger’s Deadly Doll of Death (Hodder, 2008)
Mutiny on the School Ship Bounty (Gomer, 2010)
Oshie (Walker, 2011)
69ers: A Novel About the 1969 Isle of Wight Festival of Music (Grosvenor House Publishing, 2011)


The Last Free Cat (Hodder, 2008)

Not far in the future, cat flu has meant that cat breeding is strictly controlled, and cats are only for the rich in their private estates. When Feela turns up in Jade’s garden, she can’t resist taking her in, even though it could cost her everything.

But then Feela gets sick, and Jade is forced to seek help. But soon Comprot are raiding Jade’s house. When Jade’s mother dies, the only person left for Jade to turn to is Kris, the cynical school loner.

Jade has always trusted the authorities, but now she begins to question the very society she lives in. And soon Jade and Kris are on the run …

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