500 Words Competition – 2023

I’m excited to be part of ‘500 Words’ again, which launched 26th September on BBC Breakfast TV. It’s a celebration of imagination and creativity through stories written purely by children.

The brilliant Llanfoist Primary in Abergavenny hosted the event with appearances by judges: Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Charlie Higson and surprise guest, Hacker the Dog! I’ll be illustrating one of the winning stories, along with a bunch of other talented artists including: Steven Lenton, Joelle Avelino (pictured), Axel Scheffler, Fiona Lumbers, Jamie Smart and more.

The competition is open to 5-7 & 8-11 yr categories, with gold, silver and bronze prizes to be presented at Buckingham Palace. It closes 8pm Friday 10 November 2023. For more details and to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notices go to the 500 Words homepage here.

Upcoming Wigtown Festival with DBA winners

I’m heading off again this year, to the hidden gem that is Wigtown Book Festival in Scotland. This time with two other past Diverse Book Awards winning YA authors: Manjeet Mann and Natasha Bowen. Pictured here with me are the brilliant DBA co-founders, Helen Lewis and Abiola Bello, who will be chairing.

Join us on stage at this Wigtown exclusive ‘Celebrating Diversity’ event: Sat 30th Sept, 3-4pm

Tickets are on sale now and available here