Paper Girl

Caryl Lewis is a multi-award-winning Welsh novelist, children’s writer, playwright and screenwriter. Her breakthrough novel Martha, Jac a Sianco is widely regarded as a modern classic of Welsh literature and sits on the Welsh curriculum. The film adaptation – with a screenplay by Caryl herself – went on to win six BAFTAs and the Spirit of the Festival Award at the Celtic Media Festival. Her other screenwriting work includes credits on BBC/S4C thrillers Hinterland and Hidden.In 2022, her first works in English were published. First came her adult novel Drift, which was named Waterstones Welsh Book of the Year and later scooped Wales Book of the Year – with Caryl making history as the first author to win this coveted award in both languages. Next came her children’s novel, Seed (Macmillan) and a picture book illustrated by Carmen Saldana, The Boy Who Dreamed Dragons (Puffin). These titles won enormous acclaim and have been published in multiple languages around the world. Caryl is also a visiting lecturer in Creative Writing at Cardiff University. Kanako Abe specializes in the intricate art of kirie, a traditional Japanese term that translates to paper cutting. She transforms sheets of washi paper – hand-dyed washi with indigo, rust, or Japanese sumi ink – into exquisite designs using a precision knife. Hours of dedication and concentration are woven into each piece. Visit her website kanakoabe.art/ and follow her on Instagram under the handle @abemanatee

“A brilliant example of the power of picture books: concept, words, images and design all work together to deliver a message that every girl – every child –  needs to hear.”