Nadia Shireen announced as the new BookTrust Writer-Illustrator in Residence

Published on: 26 February 2018

Nadia Shireen has been appointed as BookTrust's new online Writer-Illustrator in Residence.

Over the next six months, Nadia Shireen will be BookTrust's new Writer-Illustrator in Residence. Through blogs and events, she will focus on the importance of inclusive representation in children's books, as well as why funny books are fantastic for children.

More about our Writers in Residence

Nadia, who takes over from Taran Matharu, is well known for writing and illustrating books such as The Cow Who Fell to Earth and The Bumblebear.

Other former Writers in Residence include Cressida Cowell, Patrick Ness, Bali Rai, Matt Haig, Laura Dockrill, Chris Riddell, Sarah McIntyre and Phil Earle.

The residency encourages each writer or illustrator to explore topics that they are passionate about, with past residents exploring themes such as the power of stories and the importance of libraries.

Getting children involved

Highlights of Nadia’s residency will include asking other writers about how they make people laugh and sharing some of her favourite books. She'll also talk about how she makes her picture books, and will run a competition for primary school aged children, as well as appearing at events.

Nadia says about her residency at BookTrust:

'I couldn’t be more delighted to be Booktrust’s new Writer in Residence, mainly because one of my favourite things in the world is talking about myself. Sadly, Booktrust have quietly taken me to one side and told me that a) I’m not actually moving in with them and b) I’m not allowed to just write a series of blogs detailing how great I am.

'With that in mind, I’ve grudgingly decided to use my residency to focus on a couple of areas of personal interest. First, I want to celebrate funny books: from silly picture books to witty novels and everything inbetween. Secondly, I feel it’s really important that every young reader can see themselves represented in the books they read – regardless of gender, ethnicity or social class. And while it’s important for us grown-ups to keep talking about it, it’s even more important to get children involved in actually changing things.'

For writers and illustrators of the future

Diana Gerald, BookTrust CEO said:

'We are thrilled to welcome Nadia as the next BookTrust Writer in Residence. This online project gives visitors to BookTrust’s website an exclusive insight into the minds of acclaimed writers and illustrators.

'We fully support Nadia’s plan to help children have more confidence to write themselves into stories. It’s so important that all children can identify themselves and the world around them in the books they read. Because when they do, they are more likely to develop a love of reading and to aspire to become the writers and illustrators of the future.'

More about our Writers in Residence

Download our press release (PDF)