Dennis Pepper was born in Sleaford, where his parents still live, and where he regularly returns. From Carre's Grammar School and Sid Doughty's bread round he went to Leeds and Oxford Universities, and then into teaching in London. He has worked in the education advisory service, has run a Curriculum Development Centre for teachers of English, and was a field officer for the now defunct Schools Council. He now runs workshops for teachers about using stories in the classroom, compiles and edits books, both for use in schools, and for children to read and enjoy outside school, and writes. Dennis lives in Finchley, North London.