Martin Handford ​

Martin Handford is a British children's author and illustrator who gained worldwide fame with his Where's Wally? (known as Where's Waldo? in North America) series. The books feature detailed, crowd-scene illustrations of the character Wally and his adventures.

Quick Facts ​

• Known for his creation of the "Where's Waldo?" series.
• His series has been published in over 30 countries and has sold over 55 million copies worldwide.
• The character Waldo is recognized and loved by people all over the world.
• Published his first drawing in a national magazine at the age of 15.
• Was awarded the National Cartoonists Society's "Special Features/Large Panels" award in 2010.

Background ​

Handford was born in 1956 in Hampstead, London. He attended University for the Creative Arts in England, where he studied art. After graduating, he worked as a freelance illustrator, drawing detailed crowd scenes. He got his big break in 1986 when he was asked by a publisher to create a book of crowd scenes. His idea was to have a character, Wally, hidden within each scene, thus creating the popular "Where's Wally?" series (known as "Where's Waldo?" in the US). The series was published in over 50 countries and has sold over 73 million copies worldwide.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Handford's work is known for its highly detailed and engaging illustrations. His "Where's Waldo?" series encourages readers to find a character in complex, crowded scenes. His work has been praised for its ability to engage children and stimulate their observational skills and patience. Through his illustrations, he has successfully made reading a more interactive and enjoyable experience for young readers.

Notable Works ​

• Where's Wally? (1987)
• Where's Wally Now? (1988)
• Where's Wally? The Fantastic Journey (1989)
• Where's Wally? In Hollywood (1993)
• Where's Wally? The Wonder Book (1997)