Steve Barlow, Steve Skidmore - Children's Authors

Steve Barlow is not Steve Barlow's real name. His real name is Steve Lowe, but he couldn't be Steve Lowe because playwright Stephen Lowe is already Steve Lowe, though his real name is Stephen Wright, but he couldn't be Wright because Steven Wright was already Steven Wright, so Stephen Wright had to change his name to Stephen Lowe; so Steve Lowe couldn't be Steve Lowe because Stephen Wright was already Stephen Lowe because Steven Wright was Steven Wright so Steve Lowe changed his name to Steve Barlow, all on account of Stephen Wright. Right?

Why Barlow? 'Cos it's his mum's maiden name. Aaaaah!

Steve Barlow was born in Britain (in Crewe, in the county of Cheshire). He went to Brierley Street School, which was like Bash Street only not as sophisticated, then to Crewe County Grammar School for Boys (and what kind of school feels the need, in its name, to remind its pupils what gender they are? Hmmm?). He went on to study at Warwick University and Nottingham University, and worked at various times as a teacher, actor, stage manager and puppeteer. Then he went to teach in Botswana, where a valid excuse for students not handing in their homework was 'A goat ate it, sir!'. On his return to the UK he met Steve Skidmore, and the rest is hysteria.

Steve Barlow lives in Somerset with his wife Cathy, daughter Amy and son Robbie. He likes walking, sailing, reading, listening to music and shouting at politicians on the telly.

Steve Skidmore is shorter than Steve Barlow and less hairy. He was born in Birstall near Leicester in England. After managing to pass some exams at school, he went on to Nottingham University to supposedly read English, but spent most of his time playing sport and doing a variety of summer jobs including counting pastry pie lids (yes, really).

He trained as a teacher of Drama, English and Film studies, before teaming up with Steve Barlow to become a full time author.

He lives in Leicester and is a great rugby fan (he supports Leicester Tigers - "Come on you Tiiiiigeeeers!")

---

Featured Books, with extracts by Steve Barlow, Steve Skidmore

Return to King Solomon's Mines (Luke Challenger Book 3)
Steve Barlow, Steve Skidmore
The terrifying Sons of Destiny are closing in on the location of the legendary Spear of Destiny - an ancient weapon that grants the power of invincibility. In a race against time, Luke Challenger and his cousin Nick must track...
Featured in: 11+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/02/2012
Info   Extract   Wishlist   Compare Price   Buy

Return to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Luke Challenger Book 2)
Steve Barlow, Steve Skidmore
Daredevil teen hero Luke Challenger is in deep trouble.  Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is revisited in this thrilling new action-adventure novel, the fantastic sequel to Return to The Lost World.  Evil villains, pirates, sea monsters and...
Featured in: 11+ readers | 9+ readers | Books for Boys | Books of the Month
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/04/2011
Info   Extract   Wishlist   Compare Price   Buy

Return to the Lost World (Luke Challenger Book 1)
Steve Barlow, Steve Skidmore
A roller coaster adventure that will grab readers from the dramatic dare devil opening and hold them gripped throughout. Luke is only fourteen but he has an adult sized thirst for invention and exploration. Something about his reputation proceeds him...
Featured in: 11+ readers | 9+ readers | Books of the Month
Format: Paperback - Released: 30/08/2010
Info   Extract   Wishlist   Compare Price   Buy

Killer Clone
Steve Barlow, Steve Skidmore
Interest Age 11+ Reading Age 8+. With a gripping fictional narrative coupled with loads of fun facts, this book is a great way to get reluctant readers reading and may also then entice them into reading full-blown fiction too.  With...
Featured in: 11+ readers | Dyslexia-friendly | Reluctant Readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 15/09/2009
Info   Extract   Wishlist   Compare Price   Buy