Author:
Nicky has always loved getting lost in a good story. As a child, she especially enjoyed tales that whisked her away on incredible adventures or helped her see the world in new ways. Growing up, favourites such as Hairy Maclary, The Floods, and Percy Jackson sparked a lifelong love of reading. Now working in primary education, with a background in childcare, Nicky writes stories that help children feel seen, understood, and proud of who they are. Her debut picture book, The Family For Me, began as a personal project — a special gift for her niece, who is growing up with a single mother. Through this story, she wanted to show that every family is unique and that this is something to embrace and celebrate. This message is close to her heart, both in her work with children and as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Nicky believes passionately that stories are powerful tools for engaging with children, fostering an inclusive community, sparking curiosity, and inviting conversation. When she’s not writing or teaching, she loves discovering new food spots, heading out on spontaneous road trips, attempting (and occasionally succeeding at) DIY crafts, and hosting board game nights with friends. She is also a big fan of live music, hiking, and weekend adventures with her niece.
Illustrator:
Deniz was born in November 1995 in Eskisehir, a small city in Turkey. It snowed the day she arrived, and perhaps that’s why she still loves building snowmen! Growing up in an apartment building, she spent hours drawing clouds and watching them drift by. Her passion for cartoons and drawing led her to study Animation at university. Today, Deniz happily spends her time illustrating children’s books, watching cartoons, and devouring as many children’s stories as she can. Her work is full of charm, warmth, and playful detail — perfect for bringing The Family For Me to life.