Chris D'Lacey

Born in Malta in 1954, Chris D'Lacey is an English author primarily recognized for his contributions to children's fiction, most notably The Last Dragon Chronicles series. After relocating to England as a child and studying biology at the University of York, D'Lacey initially worked in a pre-clinical sciences department. His writing career began with songs, and he transitioned to fiction at age 32, starting with a lengthy story for his wife. His first published children's novel, Fly, Cherokee, Fly, released in 1998, was inspired by a personal experience with an injured pigeon and earned a Carnegie Medal shortlisting. D'Lacey has since authored over twenty children's books, including the best-selling The Last Dragon Chronicles and "The Erth Dragons." His narratives frequently explore environmental themes and draw inspiration from his own life experiences. In recognition of his literary achievements, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Leicester in 2002, though he continues to work there part-time operating a confocal microscope.

Chris D'Lacey's journey into writing was unconventional. Initially focused on composing songs, he didn't embark on fiction writing until he was 32. His first substantial fictional work was an extensive story about polar bears, created as a personal gift for his wife. After a seven-year hiatus from fiction, D'Lacey submitted a story, "A Hole at the Pole," to a children's story competition. Though it did not win, a publisher accepted it. His debut children's novel, "Fly, Cherokee, Fly," published in 1998, was inspired by his experience nursing an injured pigeon back to health. The book's title originates from the names he gave to the pigeon's offspring, which were named after Native American tribes.

D'Lacey's extensive body of work includes over twenty children's books, such as the highly successful "The Last Dragon Chronicles" and "The Erth Dragons," as well as "A Dark Inheritance." His novels often weave in environmental concerns and events drawn from his personal life. This consistent contribution to children's literature was acknowledged in 2002 when he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Leicester. Despite his success as an author, D'Lacey maintains a connection to his academic background, continuing to work part-time at the University of Leicester as a confocal microscope operator.