I was born and raised in Victoria, BC, but when I was 18 I moved to London, England to be a drummer. I spent most of the 1980s there, had big 80s hair, played in many bands in countless UK pubs, concert halls and a few stadiums. I toured Europe in a van that smelled like motor oil and gym socks. I wrote about these experiences in my novel Noisemaker.

After returning to Canada, I worked as a photojournalist and photography director at Maclean’s Magazine and the National Post. In the morning before work, I drank very strong tea and wrote fiction and, in particular, adventure stories for children.

I now live in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia in a big old house with my family and two cats named Olive and Ottoline. I work as a freelance photographer and filmmaker (andrewtolson.com), write children’s books, and still drink very strong tea. How to Kidnap a Mermaid is my debut fantasy for young readers. My big 80s hair is long gone.

I’m a member of CANSCAIP and SCBWI