Barry was born in Kempston, Bedfordshire in 1940 and after a long career in business, he turned his attention to his first love - writing for children. He has written several books featuring wonderful characters who, with humour and pathos, deliver valuable life lessons to children. The 'Mallows Carol', included in 'Mallows Common and Thereabouts', sums up his message perfectly; 'It tells how to live on our planet, how to give, how to love, how to care.'