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Kicking On
'the story bounds along authentically from match to match'
Irish Examiner

Eoin Colfer

EOIN COLFER is the author of international bestselling Artemis Fowl books. A former schoolteacher, Eoin lives in Wexford with his wife Jackie and sons Finn and Seán. He has worked in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Italy, as well as in Ireland. Eoin is very involved in theatre and has written several plays, which have been staged in various parts of Ireland.

His first novel, Benny and Omar, was published by The O'Brien Press in October 1998 and was an immediate bestseller. It was applauded by critics because of its comic genius. International recognition soon followed as translation rights were sold to various publishers abroad. His second book, Benny and Babe was published in June 1999. Benny and Babe became a No 1 bestseller in Ireland, knocking the famous Harry Potter out of the top spot in the Bestseller List!

Eoin's writing style is incredibly diverse as he has also written for the younger readers in the O'Brien Flyers series. For the series, which is aimed at 6+ readers, he has created the wonderful character of Ed Cooper, whose misadventures appear in Going Potty, Ed's Funny Feet and Ed's Bed.

The Wish List is Eoin's third book for the older age group. It is the story of Meg Finn, a young teenager who dies, but is too good for Hell and too bad for Heaven. Back on earth she has a chance of salvation if she can fulfil the Wish List of pensioner Lowrie. Mission impossible for Meg?

Eoin has his own website with lots of information about his books.

Links
Eoin's personal website

Interviews
Eoin Colfer talks about his first books
Eoin Colfer answers questions from young readers

Extracts

Benny and Omar
Chapter One: Where?

The Wish List
Chapter 1: Double Act

Resources

Going Potty
Discovery Challenge: explore your own family history, and more!
Teaching ideas for first class from O'Brien Reading Programme

Ed's Funny Feet
Discovery Challenge: find out all about feet and shoes
Teaching ideas for second class from the O'Brien Reading Programme Supplement

Ed's Bed
Discover Challenge based on Ed's Bed: make your own wordsearch.

Benny and Omar
Teaching ideas for sixth class from O'Brien Reading Programme
Teaching guide to the novel by Irene Barber

Benny and Babe
Teaching guide from O'Brien Teaching Guides Collection 2
Teaching ideas for sixth class from O'Brien Reading Programme

Books (select cover or title for more information)

	Going Potty (pb) Ed's Granny has a famous potty that has come through war and disaster – it has even saved a life! But can it help Ed overcome his fear of the big boys' toilets? A hilarious and original tale. *Flyer 1* Praise for Going Potty 'a humorous and imaginative read and deals with overcoming fears.' Children's Book Festival Reading Guide 'A wacky story with big child appeal.' Christmas Cracker Magazine Buy Now

	Ed's Funny Feet (pb) Ed Cooper has a problem with his big toes. Even his DIY foot-straighteners don't work and he has to wear very uncool 'correction shoes'. *Flyer 4* Buy Now

	Ed's Bed (pb) Ed Cooper's life is never dull. He has started to wet his bed and he can't learn his time-tables. *Flyer 7* Praise for Ed's Bed 'A lovely, funny and touching story.' Fingal Independent Buy Now

	Benny and Omar (pb) Moving to Tunisia is a real eye-opener for a young Wexford hurling fan. Eoin Colfer's hilarious debut novel. Praise for Benny and Omar 'A brilliant book, it's so funny. It's the best book I've read so far. I really enjoy reading Eoin Colfer's books, they always want to make me read more'. Ross Listed in the 'Top ten essential books for every family' Sunday Business Post 'Colfer smoothly layers adventure, moments of poignancy and subtle social commentary and his comic timing is pitch-perfect' Publishers Weekly 'I thought this book was brilliant. It is definitely a 'One to read' ... I would give this book 9 out of 10. If you want to improve your vocabulary read this book. It is one of the best books I've ever read.' Sixth-class reviewer, Wicklow People 'Hilarious -- there is hardly a page which will not have a reader laughing aloud' The Irish Times 'Eoin Colfer has a very cool line in storytelling.' RTE Guide 'A wonderful book, absolutely hilarious' Robert Dunbar, The Gay Byrne Show Buy Now

	Benny and Babe (pb) Benny suffers a severe blow to his pride when he meets Babe. He may be a wise guy, but she is at least three steps ahead of him, and they are on her territory. Praise for Benny and Babe 'Humour, sensitivity and candour underscore this coming-of-age story that features incredibly well-drawn characters ... This book has it all - an absorbing story, vibrant characters with whom readers will surely identify, and an on-target narrative voice.' School Library Journal '... there is a sequence ... of about twenty pages which is set at a disco at which Benny and Babe really discover themselves, and I have to say that, seriously, it is one of the most sustained pieces of comic writing that I have come across in an adult or children's book. It's brilliant.' Robert Dunbar on Pat Kenny radio show 'The story tells of a coming of age for Benny who overcomes his antagonism to females in general.' New Ross Standard 'The best thing about Benny is his thinking patterns -- if you don't recognise yourself and a dozen friends somewhere in here, you're probably an alien' RTE Guide Buy Now

	The Wish List (pb) Meg Finn dies after a botched attempt to rob a pensioner. Her soul is up for grabs as the divine and demonic each want her! How can she tip the scales in her favour to save her soul? A tale of life, death and an unexpected hereafter. Praise for The Wish List 'So devilishly chucklesome that even St Peter might find his halo slipping from laughing so much' Sunday Times 'Echoes of Roddy Doyle, Flann O'Brien and even Samuel Beckett.' The Telegraph 'It's A Wonderful Life with attitude ... A sharp, streetwise, wisecracking fantasy for 10+ in which even St Peter talks like a dude' The Sunday Times 'The Wish List is an anarchic gem - ingenius, original, fast paced and very funny ... tinged with black humour, that children aged 11-15 will love.' The Sunday Herald 'Funny and feisty' The Mail on Sunday 'Absolutely superb' Independent on Sunday 'A laugh-aloud adventure' Mary Arrigan, The Sunday Tribune 'From the beginning of this novel, when Meg and Belch break into old Mr. McCall's flat, the story grips the reader, in turns gritty, harsh, funny and tender ... the seemingly effortless craftsmanship in this book allows the reader to be swept along with the highs and lows of the story and to emerge at the end after an entertaining and breathless ride.' School Librarian 'Inventive, entertaining and completely refreshing, The Wish List is a witty and original read which wins you over -- and makes you laugh.' T2 Online 'a picaresque adventure in the Fursey tradition' RTE Guide Buy Now

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