Curtis Jobling

Curtis Jobling is a British author, animator, and illustrator who gained prominence as the designer of the children's television series "Bob the Builder." He has since established himself as an accomplished writer of both children's picture books and young adult fantasy novels. His fantasy series "Wereworld" became his breakthrough work as an author, launching in 2011 with "Rise of the Wolf." The series follows a young farmhand who discovers he is a werewolf and becomes entangled in a world of therianthropes - humans who can transform into various animals. Beyond his written works, Jobling's career in animation includes work with Wallace & Gromit creators Aardman Animations, and he has served as art director on multiple animated series. His picture books include "Old MacDonald Had a Zoo" and "Frankenstein's Cat," the latter of which was adapted into an animated series. Jobling continues to write and illustrate while also conducting school visits and literary festivals across the UK. His work spans multiple age groups, from picture books for young children to darker fantasy novels for teenage readers.

Readers appreciate Jobling's ability to balance action with character development in the Wereworld series. Many reviews note the blend of violence and political intrigue makes the books appealing to both younger and older readers. Parents and teachers highlight that the series encourages reluctant readers. Readers praise: - Fast-paced plotting - Complex world-building - Character growth throughout series - Unique take on shapeshifter mythology Common criticisms: - Some find early books slower-paced - Violence level concerns some parents - Occasional predictable plot points Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Wereworld series averages 4.1/5 from 12,000+ ratings Amazon: Rise of the Wolf 4.5/5 from 200+ reviews TheBookbag.co.uk: "Perfect for fans of Beast Quest who are ready for something more challenging" One frequent reader comment: "The series gets better with each book as the world expands and characters develop." Picture books receive positive reviews for illustrations but fewer overall ratings.

Frankenstein's Cat - A picture book about Dr. Frankenstein's first creation, a patchwork cat who longs for a friend but keeps accidentally scaring everyone away.

Old MacDonald Had a Zoo - A twist on the classic nursery rhyme where Farmer MacDonald's farm transforms into an exotic zoo filled with wild animals.

Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf - First book in the fantasy series following Drew Ferran, a young farmhand who discovers he's a werewolf in a world ruled by therianthropes.

Wereworld: Rage of Lions - Second installment where Drew must navigate political intrigue while learning to control his werewolf abilities.

Wereworld: Shadow of the Hawk - Third book continuing Drew's journey as he faces new threats and alliances in the Seven Realms.

Wereworld: Nest of Serpents - Fourth entry featuring Drew's ongoing struggle against the Lizardlords and their growing power.

Wereworld: Storm of Sharks - Fifth book following Drew's adventures across the high seas while battling wereshark pirates.

Wereworld: War of the Werelords - Final installment in the series culminating in an epic battle for control of the Seven Realms.

Max Helsing and the Thirteenth Curse - First book about a twelve-year-old monster hunter who must protect both humans and monsters while dealing with an ancient curse.

Max Helsing and the Beast of Bone Creek - Second Max Helsing novel where the young monster hunter investigates mysterious disappearances in a remote mountain town.

Max Helsing and the Ghost Machine - Third installment following Max as he confronts a device that can control the dead.

Rick Riordan combines mythology with contemporary settings in his fantasy series, focusing on young protagonists discovering their supernatural heritage. His Percy Jackson series features similar themes of hidden identities and dangerous quests that Wereworld readers will recognize.

Michelle Paver writes historical fantasy with strong connections to nature and animal transformation, particularly in her Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series. Her work explores the relationship between humans and animals in primitive societies, featuring protagonists who develop deep spiritual connections with wildlife.

Derek Landy creates fantasy worlds with dark humor and action-packed sequences in his Skulduggery Pleasant series. His writing balances serious themes with lighter moments, similar to Jobling's approach to complex storylines.

Jonathan Stroud develops detailed fantasy worlds with complex political systems and supernatural elements in works like the Bartimaeus sequence. His narratives feature young characters navigating dangerous power structures while discovering their own abilities.

Darren Shan writes dark fantasy series that deal with supernatural transformations and coming-of-age themes. His Cirque Du Freak series explores similar themes of transformation and identity that appear in Wereworld.