Frances Tosdevin

Frances is an award-winning picture book author who spends her life in a constant state of wonder. She tries to channel this child-like energy into writing captivating stories for children.

She won the SCBWI British Isles Crystal Kite Award for her debut picture book, THE BEAR AND HER BOOK illustrated by Sophia O’Connor (published by Fox & Ink Books), and her picture books have been shortlisted for many regional and school awards and sold into multiple overseas territories. GRANDAD’S STAR, illustrated by Rhian Stone (published by Rocket Bird Books) was shortlisted for the Klaus Flugge Award and Longlisted for the Carnegie Illustration Award. It was also selected for the Read for Empathy Collection.

Frances is fond of cats, chickens and garden snails, and likes to get hands-on in her small (but rather overgrown) garden. She is in her ‘happy space’ when sitting on a secret upturned flower pot, dreaming up new stories or working out tricky plot points.

Frances studied at Cambridge University where she gained a degree in Archaeology/Anthropology and Classics. Many years after her undergraduate days, she was especially proud to gain a distinction in the Royal Horticultural Society’s General Certificate of Horticulture.

She enjoys walks by the river, relaxing baths— and a never-ending supply of chocolate in the fridge.