Alex Foulkes is a contemporary British children’s author who has quickly built a strong reputation for writing imaginative, spooky-yet-humorous stories for middle-grade readers. Known for blending fantasy, light horror, and warmth, Alex Foulkes creates books that entertain young readers while encouraging curiosity, bravery, and creativity. Her work reflects a deep understanding of how children read, think, and connect with stories, making her an increasingly recognisable name in modern UK children’s literature.
Based in Stoke-on-Trent in the Midlands, Alex Foulkes draws inspiration from everyday life, classic children’s books, and her professional background in education. Her stories are playful without being trivial, eerie without being frightening, and thoughtful without feeling heavy. This balance has helped her stand out in a competitive literary space.
Early Life and Love of Stories
Alex Foulkes developed a love for stories at an early age. Like many writers who later focus on children’s literature, she grew up immersed in books that encouraged imagination and wonder. Stories featuring unusual characters, magical twists, and mysterious settings left a lasting impression on her creative mind.
From an early stage, she showed a fascination with how stories are constructed, how characters grow, and how a sense of suspense can be built without overwhelming the reader. This early relationship with books laid the foundation for her later decision to pursue writing as a serious career rather than a passing interest.
Academic Background and Creative Development
Alex Foulkes studied English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Derby, graduating in 2014. This academic background played a crucial role in shaping her writing voice. Through formal study, she gained a strong understanding of narrative structure, character development, and language, while also learning how to edit and refine her own work.
University life gave her the opportunity to experiment with different genres and styles before settling into children’s fiction as her primary focus. It was during this time that she began to recognise her ability to write stories that were both imaginative and accessible, particularly for younger audiences.
Professional Experience in Education
Before becoming a published author, Alex Foulkes worked as a teaching assistant and school librarian. This period of her life proved to be one of the most influential in her writing journey. Working closely with children gave her direct insight into what young readers enjoy, what challenges them, and what keeps them turning pages.
As a school librarian, she was exposed daily to children’s reading habits. She observed which books were borrowed repeatedly, which covers attracted attention, and which stories sparked conversation among pupils. This experience helped her develop a strong instinct for pacing, tone, and age-appropriate themes, all of which are evident in her published work.
Entry into Children’s Publishing
Alex Foulkes entered the world of children’s publishing with a clear sense of purpose. Rather than writing down to her audience, she focused on crafting stories that respect children’s intelligence while still being fun and engaging. Her debut novel, Rules for Vampires, was published in September 2021 and marked the beginning of her professional writing career.
The book introduced readers to a world that playfully reimagines vampire lore in a way that feels fresh, funny, and suitable for middle-grade readers. Its success demonstrated that there was a strong appetite for stories that combine classic spooky elements with modern humour and heart.
The Rules for Vampires Series
Following the success of her debut, Alex Foulkes released Rules for Vampires: Ghosts Bite Back in 2022. The sequel expanded the world introduced in the first book while maintaining the tone that readers had come to love. The series showcased her ability to develop characters over time and build a coherent fictional universe without losing clarity or charm.
The Rules for Vampires books are notable for their balance. They offer excitement and mystery without crossing into content that might be too intense for younger readers. This careful approach has made the series popular with both children and parents, as well as educators looking for engaging reading material.
Ministry of Mischief and Creative Growth
In September 2024, Alex Foulkes launched a new series titled Ministry of Mischief. This marked an important step in her creative growth, showing her willingness to explore new story worlds and ideas while staying true to her signature style.
The Ministry of Mischief series reflects her continued interest in playful chaos, imaginative rules, and characters who find themselves caught between ordinary life and extraordinary situations. With this series, she further established herself as a versatile writer capable of creating multiple engaging fictional settings.
Writing Style and Storytelling Approach
Alex Foulkes describes herself as a “spooky writer and children’s author,” a phrase that neatly captures her creative identity. Her writing style is characterised by:
- Clear, lively language
- Strong character voices
- Humour woven naturally into the narrative
- Light supernatural elements presented in a friendly way
She avoids excessive darkness, instead focusing on curiosity and fun. Her stories often feature unusual creatures, magical systems, and mischievous scenarios that invite readers to explore rather than feel afraid.
Themes and Messages in Her Work
While Alex Foulkes’s books are entertaining, they also carry meaningful themes. Friendship, courage, self-acceptance, and resilience frequently appear throughout her stories. Characters often face unfamiliar challenges and learn to trust themselves along the way.
Another recurring theme is the idea that being different can be a strength rather than a weakness. This message resonates strongly with young readers who may be navigating their own sense of identity and belonging.
Connection with Young Readers
One of Alex Foulkes’s greatest strengths is her ability to connect with young readers. Her background in schools has given her a natural understanding of how children respond to humour, suspense, and emotional moments.
She writes with warmth and respect for her audience, never underestimating their ability to engage with complex ideas when presented clearly. This approach has helped her build a loyal readership that continues to grow with each new release.
Life Beyond Writing
Outside of her writing career, Alex Foulkes enjoys reading widely and exploring new creative ideas. She often shares glimpses of her writing life, inspirations, and everyday moments through social media, allowing readers to feel connected to the person behind the books.
Her personality comes across as thoughtful, imaginative, and quietly humorous, qualities that are reflected in her storytelling. She embraces creativity not just as a profession but as a way of engaging with the world.
Position in British Children’s Literature
Alex Foulkes represents a new generation of British children’s authors who blend tradition with modern sensibilities. Her work respects the legacy of classic children’s literature while offering stories that feel relevant to today’s readers.
By focusing on quality storytelling rather than trends, she has positioned herself as a reliable and respected voice in middle-grade fiction. Her growing catalogue suggests a long and promising career ahead.
Future Prospects and Influence
As her readership continues to expand, Alex Foulkes is likely to play an increasingly influential role in shaping contemporary children’s literature in the UK. Her ability to create engaging series, develop relatable characters, and maintain a consistent voice positions her well for future success.
With each new project, she demonstrates a commitment to storytelling that entertains while also supporting emotional and imaginative growth in young readers.
Conclusion
Alex Foulkes is a talented British children’s author whose work combines spooky fun, humour, and heartfelt storytelling. With a strong educational background, real-world experience in schools, and a growing list of successful books, she has established herself as an important voice in modern children’s literature. Her stories continue to inspire curiosity and confidence in young readers, making her a name to watch in the years to come.
