Beside the Sea (Melrose and Croc)

Emma Chichester Clark was born in London, England, but grew up in Ireland. In 1975 she went back to England to attend the Chelsea School of Art in London. After completing her undergraduate degree, she enrolled at the Royal College of Art for her master's degree. She was approached by an editor at London publisher Bodley Head to illustrate for her first children's book entitled, Listen to This.

Clark is considered one of England's most distinguished picture book creators. She has written and illustrated many of her own picture books while also creating accompanying artwork for numerous stories, picture books, anthologies, and retellings by other writers, including Roald Dahl. In her own books, which include Up in Heaven, The Story of Horrible Hilda and Henry, and the award-winning I Love You, Blue Kangaroo!, she features child, adult, and animal characters in humorous situations that provide realistic portrayals of human feelings and failings. Clark was also a visiting lecturer at Middlesex Polytechnic and City and Guilds School of Art, 1984-86. She had an exhibition of her illustrations at the Thumb Gallery, England, 1984 and 1987.

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