Shortlisted for Branford Boase Award 2019
A YA novel told from the perspective of someone with Down’s syndrome. A love story inspired by the author’s experiences alongside her severely autistic brother.
CBeebies’ Presenter Cerrie Burnell On Becoming A Children’s Author
Cerrie Burnell might be best known for being a presenter on CBeebies, but having recently launched her third book she’s becoming a well-established author who champions diversity.
The 36-year-old, who originally studied acting before becoming a CBeebies presenter and kids’ author, is dyslexic and was born without her right arm.
She was named in the Observer’s top ten children’s presenters and featured in the Guardian’s 2011 list of 100 most inspirational women where she received praise for tackling disability head on.
Q&A With Sophie Smiley
From The Independent’s Children’s Books Blog, a Q&A with Sophie Smiley, author of a series of chapter books illustrated by Michael Foreman:
Sophie Smiley is the author of a heart-warming series of chapter books about a football-mad family. Packed with charming illustrations by the award-winning Michael Foreman, the books follow the adventures of big sister Charlie (short for Charlton) and her brother Bobby, who has Down’s syndrome. Books in the series include Bobby, Charlton and the Mountain, Man of the Match and Team Trouble.
Sophie recently took part in a cultural exchange between British and Turkish writers before speaking at the London Book Fair, where Turkey was this year’s Market Focus. When she’s not busy working on her novels, Sophie teaches English, Film Studies and Creative Writing. She lives in Cambridge.
via Children’s Book Blog: Ask the author – Sophie Smiley | Rebecca Davies | Independent Arts Blogs.