Andy Shepherd

Andy Shepherd grew up on the Essex coast. She pursued higher education, studying English and European Thought and Literature at university. Following her university studies, she trained as a teacher, gaining experience in education. She later worked for Oxfam before transitioning into her career as a full-time writer. Her writing career is noted for its focus on middle-grade fiction and picture books, aiming to engage children with unique narratives. She currently resides near Cambridge with her family, which includes her husband, two sons, and their border collie.

Shepherd’s debut novel, “The Boy Who Grew Dragons,” published on June 14, 2018, marked a significant milestone, quickly gaining recognition. This book was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2019 and longlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award. The success of her debut led to a series of five additional books, all illustrated by Sara Ogilvie, continuing the adventures of the protagonist Tomas and his dragon companions. The series explores themes of imagination and responsibility through the unique premise of dragons hatching from a dragon-fruit tree. Her works have been translated into twenty-four languages.

In 2022, “The Boy Who Grew Dragons” was adapted into a song cycle titled “The Dragon Songs,” commissioned by Britten Pears Arts, with its world premiere performed by the Scunthorpe Co-operative Junior Choir. Looking ahead, Piccadilly Press, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, commissioned a new series, “The Wood Where Magic Grows,” with the first book expected in July 2025 and a sequel in July 2026. This new series further expands her literary contributions, continuing her focus on stories that connect children with nature and enchantment.