About Chris

Thank you for taking the time to explore my website and learn a bit more about me. I'm Chris Allton, a multifaceted individual embracing roles as an author, musician, teacher, and proud dad (though not necessarily in that order). My most cherished role is being a father to Layla, a constant source of inspiration who often finds her way into the heart of my stories.

With over two decades of experience in education since graduating from Liverpool in 1998, I've witnessed the dynamic landscape of education evolve—some aspects for the better, others not so much. Amidst this change, one constant has remained: the exhilaration I feel when engaging with children in the classroom. This enduring passion for teaching continues to fuel my dedication.

My journey as a musician began early, with my keyboard proficiency at eleven and my first guitar at fourteen. From those pivotal moments, I've revelled in performing and collaborating with fellow musicians, consistently seeking to learn and craft something new.

While comparatively fresh in my career as an author, it's a realm I've taken to with profound enjoyment. My inaugural novel, "Steam" originally a short tale, burgeoned into a full-fledged novel, an endeavour that captured my heart and creativity. Transitioning from the role of reader—both as a dad and an educator—to that of the author was a transformative experience that solidified my commitment.

Since my authorial debut in 2017, I published my inaugural book in November of that year. Encouraged by the positive journey, I swiftly delved into my next creation, "Embarrassing Dad" which surfaced in 2018. Rooted in my experiences as both a dad and a son, this work resonates with relatable stories bound to connect with fathers and children alike.

In August of 2019, "Terrible Teacher" joined my repertoire, infusing authentic anecdotes into its fabric. The year 2020 thrust us into the realm of lockdowns, altering the very landscape of education. Amidst these changes, I remained in the classroom, engaging with students virtually. This period catalyzed my endeavour to craft texts focusing on mindfulness and well-being, a response to the challenges that children and staff faced during these trying times.

"Be Kind Kids" a children's book, emerged from this period, sharing practical wisdom gleaned from my journey as an educator and parent. Subsequent projects encompassed well-being journals for diverse audiences, spanning kids, educators, and beyond—reflecting my belief in the universal need for well-being practices.

The tapestry of my literary contributions continued to flourish with the 2020 release of "The Late Reindeer" a festive stocking stuffer. "Don't Lose The Plot" followed, drawing from my writing experiences to offer insights into story plot development. Another work, "Before I Finally Go Insane" a lifelong project inspired by the song "Layla," compiles lyrics from my songwriting journey.

Throughout 2021, I introduced a trio of picture books— "The Visit" "How Do Colours Feel?" and "@Red #Internet Safety"—each brimming with unique narratives. This creative outpouring extended to "Knight School" chronicling Adam's quest for knighthood, and "Elvis the Elf" a Christmas-themed tale. "Parents V Teenagers" humorously dissected the parent-teen dynamic, while "My Teacher" showcased a diverse collection of poetic styles.

Building on this momentum in 2022, "Knight School III" propelled Adam's adventure forward, while "The Revisit" offered a fresh perspective. "Hank Einstein" inspired by Frankenstein, and "What's Wrong With Gran?" addressed dementia's impact. "The Day The Dragon Came To School" tackled new beginnings, and "It's Always Possible" embraced positivity. The year concluded with the lighthearted "Something To Think About (While You Poo)".

Early 2023 saw the completion of "Knight School IV", chronicling Adam's continued pursuit of his quest. Spring welcomed a series of self-help books spanning areas such as depression, weight loss, budgeting, and dropshipping to name a few. July marked the arrival of mindful colouring books for all ages and the Knight School saga culminated with "Knight School V" in August.

Though my writing journey commenced later in life, it's been incredibly rewarding to draw from my roles as a teacher, musician, and dad to shape my narratives. I eagerly anticipate crafting more books and fostering connections through school and library visits.