Leonard Wibberley
Leonard Wibberley was an Irish journalist and author born on April 9, 1915, in Dublin, Ireland. His diverse early career included roles as a copy boy and reporter, and he eventually worked for various publications in Trinidad and the United States. Wibberley is celebrated for his prolific writing, having authored over fifty books for children and adults, including his most notable work, "The Mouse That Roared," which is part of a political satire trilogy that humorously explores the interactions between a fictional poor nation and the United States. His writing is characterized by strong characters and vivid descriptions, aimed at engaging both young readers and adults alike. Wibberley believed in crafting meaningful narratives that went beyond mere entertainment, thus earning a lasting appreciation for his ability to resonate with readers of all ages. He passed away on November 22, 1983, in Santa Monica, California, leaving behind a legacy of imaginative storytelling that continues to captivate audiences.
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Leonard Wibberley
- Born: April 9, 1915
- Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
- Died: November 23, 1983
- Place of death: Santa Monica, California
Biography
Journalist and author Leonard Patrick O’Connor Wibberley was born April 9, 1915, in Dublin, Ireland, to Thomas and Sinaid (O’Connor). He attended schools in Ireland and England, eventually serving as an apprentice to a London publisher. He and his wife, Katherine Hazel Holton, raised six children. Wibberley died of a heart attack November 22, 1983, in Santa Monica, California
His early writing career focused on journalism. At age sixteen, he became a copy boy at the Sunday Dispatch. During the depression he worked a variety of jobs, including as a street fiddler and ditch digger. Later he worked as a reporter for the London Daily Mirror and assistant London editor for the Malayan Straits Times and Singapore Free Press. From 1936 to 1938, he served as editor of the Trinidad Evening News, in Trinidad, West Indies, before working for an oil company in Trinidad until 1941. In 1943, he came to the United States to work for Walsh Kaiser Shipyards but also served as cable editor for Associated Press in New York City and as U.S. correspondent for the London Evening News. In 1950, he joined the staff of the Los Angeles Times. It was during this time that he wrote his first books.
Wibberly was a prolific author, writing more than fifty books for children, some under the pen names Christopher Webb and Patrick O’Connor, plus plays and several book series for adults, including mysteries and nonfiction, some using the pseudonym Leonard Holton. He is best known for The Mouse That Roared, part of a trilogy of political satires including The Mouse on the Moon and The Mouse That Saved the West. The trilogy focuses on a tiny, poverty-stricken country, the fictional Duchy of Grand Fenwick, which wages war on the United States and is surprised to receive economic aid as a result.
Wibberley also wrote the Black Tiger and Thomas Jefferson series for children. His books were likely popular with youth since the plots are exciting and colorfully vivid. He did not create conflict and adventure for the sake of entertainment but for purpose in the story. Apparently Wibberley did not view children as little adults, approaching his writing of children’s novels differently from his writing for adults. His books, whether for children or adults, include strong characters and meaningful description to capture the interest of children and maintain that interest throughout the story. Most importantly, they are engaging for the adults who read them as well as engrossing the imagination of his youthful readers.
In 1958, Columbia Pictures adapted The Mouse That Roared into a motion picture starring Peter Sellers. In 1963, Lopert filmed the second book in the Mouse trilogy, The Mouse on the Moon.
Through meaningful storytelling and attention to the words he chose to capture the imagination of the reader, Leonard Wibberley demonstrated his respect for his readers, whatever their ages.