Nicola Davies
Nicola Davies is the author of more than 50 books for children: fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Her work has been published in more than 10 different languages and has won major awards in the UK, US, France, Italy and Germany.
Nicola trained as a zoologist, taking a degree in Natural Sciences from King's College, Cambridge. She spent some years as a field biologist and studied humpback and sperm whales, and bats, before joining the BBC Natural History Unit as a researcher and then presenter.
Following the start of her writing career, Nicola became a senior lecturer in creative writing, at Bath Spa University but has been writing full time for over a decade. She now regularly runs workshops for children and adults to help them find their voices as writers and advocates for nature. In 2017, she was the first recipient of the SLA’s award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Non-fiction and in 2018 had four picture books longlisted for the Greenaway Award.
Find out what Nicola Davies is up to as our Writer in Residence
Authored Books
I (Don't) Like Snakes
Author: Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Luciano Lozano
Publisher: Walker Books
This is an unusual and amusing tale about a girl who doesn't share her family's enthusiasm for snakes. However, as they tell her more about the incredible reptiles, she has a change of heart.
The Lion Who Stole My Arm
Author: Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Annabel Wright
Publisher: Walker Books
When a lion attacks Pedru and bites off his arm, he vows to find the lion and kill him. But as he learns more about these formidable creatures, he realises strength and courage come in different forms. An uplifting story in the excellent Heroes of the Wild series.
Flying Free
Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Cathy Fisher
Publisher: Graffeg
When Colin shoots a sparrowhawk, he knows that he’s done something wrong and takes the hawk to the vet. Soon, Colin finds a passion for wildlife he never knew he had. Anyone reading Flying Free will want to rescue their own hawk...
Ice Bear
Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Gary Blythe
Publisher: Walker Books
Facts about polar bears are woven alongside the lyrical text in this sumptuously illustrated picture book.
Rubbish Town Hero
Author: Nicola Davies
Publisher: Corgi Children's
This is an absorbing, powerful and ultimately uplifting story about children living on their wits in a harsh environment, searching for the love and security a real family can give them
The Elephant Road
Author: Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Annabel Wright
Publisher: Walker Books
This story provides an engaging context in which much wider, complex environmental issues are explored.
The Dog That Saved Christmas
Author: Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Mike Byrne
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
A sensitive and fascinating portrayal of how Christmas might be experienced by a boy on the autistic spectrum, and how a therapy dog provides reassurance and helps him enjoy the festive season.
King of the Sky
Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Laura Carlin
Publisher: Walker Books
A boy has come to start his life in a new country where nothing is familiar, apart from the racing pigeons kept by his neighbour. Soon, he has a pigeon of his own called King of the Sky: will he win the competition? A touching, quiet tale of community.
Bee Boy and the Moonflowers
Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Max Low
Publisher: Graffeg
Asin is sent into the treacherous desert mountains to find the rare and magical Moonflowers: only bees that feed on these Moonflowers’ pollen will produce the magical Silver Honey, which will heal Asin’s family from their malaise.
Surprising Sharks
Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: James Croft
Publisher: Walker Books
An engaging introduction to the world of sharks, which seeks to dispel the myths about them, while adding fascinating detail.