Caryl is a full-time children’s writer, who also runs creative workshops with local schools.

Her first picture book, Don’t Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate! won two regional awards, and was shortlisted for a third.

Her Princess series, illustrated by Sarah Warburton, has sold over 220,000 copies worldwide.

She lives in Sheffield with her guitar-playing husband, two cheeky daughters, one extremely fluffy black cat, a goldfish, four hens and a dog called Roo.

As well as writing, Caryl loves walking in the hills, swimming, snuggling, baking, weeding, running, sleeping, chatting, and sitting in cafes.

"Hi! I’m Caryl,

I started writing for children when I was 32 years old, after my first daughter was born and, after a lot of work, my first book was published 10 years later, in 2009.

I was inspired to write children’s books after reading lots of fantastic picture books in our local library. One day I said to my husband, "I could do that." He said, "Go on then." And so my writing journey began!

“When I started writing, I had no idea whether I was good enough. But I WANTED to be good enough, so I worked really hard at it.”

I’m very fortunate to be working with some fantastic publishers and have published over 55 children’s books including baby books, picture books, young fiction and non-fiction stories. My goal is to write at least one hundred books in my lifetime.

When I am not thinking up rhymes, writing stories or creating characters, I run creative workshops in schools, libraries and for festivals. I also work with companies, charities, universities and other organisations on creative projects, editing and literacy training.

I am hugely grateful to the wonderful illustrators I work with. My books would be nothing without them! And also to my fabulous agent, and all the parents, teachers and book enthusiasts who support me on social media. "