There’s something special about a children’s author who can make you laugh while confronting the darkest chapters of history, and Morris Gleitzman has been doing exactly that for decades, writing stories that young readers devour and adults remember long after the last page. His most famous book, Once, has sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide and is often taught in classrooms; if you’re new to his work, here’s what you need to know.
Born: 9 January 1953 ·
Nationality: Australian ·
Genre: Children’s and young adult fiction ·
Most famous book: Once ·
Felix’s age in Once: 10 years old ·
Career start: Screenwriter for 10 years before author
Quick snapshot
- Morris Gleitzman was born on 9 January 1953 in England (Open Library).
- He moved to Australia at age 16 (Reading Australia).
- He worked as a screenwriter for ten years before writing children’s books (Reading Australia).
- Once is his most famous book, published in 2005 (Wikipedia).
- Exact page counts vary by edition (hardcover, paperback, etc.).
- The precise total number of books he has written depends on how editions and formats are counted.
- 2005: Once published, launching a seven-book series (Cereal Readers).
- Gleitzman continues to write; no confirmed upcoming titles at press time.
The table below provides a quick overview of Morris Gleitzman’s personal and professional details.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Morris Gleitzman |
| Born | 9 January 1953, Lincolnshire, England (Open Library) |
| Residence | Australia (since age 16) |
| Occupation | Author, former screenwriter |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Notable awards | Multiple children’s book awards in Australia and internationally |
What is Morris Gleitzman’s most famous book?
Morris Gleitzman is best known for the Once series, which begins with the novel Once (Wikipedia). The story is set in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II and follows Felix, a Jewish boy, through the horrors of the Holocaust with innocence and hope (BookTrust).
What is the Once series about?
- The series spans seven books: Once (2006), Then (2008), Now (2010), After (2012), Soon (2015), Maybe (2017), and Always (2020) (Cereal Readers).
- Felix ages across the series, offering a growing perspective on war and survival.
- The novels are read in order for the full narrative arc (Cereal Readers).
For readers seeking a starting point, Once offers both emotional depth and historical grounding.
Is the book ‘Once’ a true story?
Once is not a true story, but it is inspired by historical events of the Holocaust (Wikipedia). The protagonist Felix is 10 years old and narrates the story. The novel is 192 pages in the standard edition (paperback).
How old is Felix in the book ‘Once’?
Felix is 10 years old at the start of Once (BookTrust). His age is central to the story’s perspective: a child’s innocent lens on unimaginable events.
How many pages are in the book ‘Once’?
The standard paperback edition of Once is 192 pages. Hardcover and large-print editions may vary slightly.
Teachers and parents often ask whether Once is fact or fiction. It’s a fictional story grounded in real history, which makes it a safe but honest introduction to the Holocaust for young readers.
This distinction helps teachers and parents use the book as a guided introduction to difficult history.
What age are Morris Gleitzman books for?
Morris Gleitzman’s books are generally recommended for readers aged 9–14 (BookTrust). The Once series is suitable for upper elementary and middle school students. For example, booktrust lists Once with a recommended age range of 9 to 12+ years.
Which Morris Gleitzman book should I read first?
A good starting point is Once, as it introduces the main character Felix and sets up the series (Cereal Readers). If you prefer lighter humour, try Misery Guts (ages 8+) from the Misery Guts series (Cereal Readers).
Starting with Once means diving into heavy themes immediately. For younger or sensitive readers, Misery Guts offers a funnier, lighter entry point.
Choosing the right book depends on the reader’s maturity and interest in historical themes.
What are three interesting facts about Morris Gleitzman?
- Morris Gleitzman was born in England and moved to Australia at age 16 (Reading Australia).
- He worked as a screenwriter for ten years before becoming a children’s author (Reading Australia).
- He was the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2018–2019 (Reading Australia).
What is Gleitzman’s writing style?
His writing blends humour with serious historical and emotional themes. He has said: “I want to tell big stories for little people” (Andrew Leigh MP).
How long does it take Morris Gleitzman to write a book?
He typically takes several months to a year to complete a novel, according to publisher notes (Penguin Books Australia).
How many books has Morris Gleitzman written?
Morris Gleitzman has written over 30 books for children and young adults. His bibliography includes the Once series (7 books), standalone novels like Bumface and Toad Rage, and the Misery Guts series (3 books). The Once series alone contains seven books as of 2025 (Cereal Readers).
“One of Australia’s funniest and best-loved authors for young people.”
— Penguin Books Australia (Penguin Books Australia)
“I want to tell big stories for little people.”
— Morris Gleitzman, quoted in Andrew Leigh MP article (Andrew Leigh)
Morris Gleitzman’s ability to pair humour with history has made him a staple in classrooms and libraries. For parents and teachers looking for meaningful yet accessible reads, his books offer a rare combination: they entertain without trivialising, and they educate without lecturing. For young readers, the choice is clear: start with Once, stay for the series, and discover why so many call him one of Australia’s greatest children’s authors.
morrisgleitzman.com, morrisgleitzman.com, carlsen.de, biography.jrank.org, goodreads.com
Frequently asked questions
Which book is Morris Gleitzman best known for?
His most famous book is Once, the first in a seven-book series set during the Holocaust.
Is Once based on true events?
No, it is a fictional story inspired by historical events.
What is the recommended age range for Gleitzman’s books?
Most of his books are for ages 9–14, with the Once series recommended for 9–12+.
Where should I start reading Morris Gleitzman?
Start with Once for the series, or Misery Guts for a lighter introduction.
How many titles has Morris Gleitzman published?
Over 30 books, including 7 in the Once series.
How old is Felix in Once?
Felix is 10 years old.
How many pages are in Once?
The standard paperback edition has 192 pages.
James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Voice, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.