Andy Shepherd

Andy Shepherd is a British children’s author recognized for her imaginative storytelling and award-nominated series that inspire young readers. After publishing her critically acclaimed debut novel, ‘The Boy Who Grew Dragons,’ on June 14, 2018, Andy Shepherd swiftly established herself as a leading British children’s author, renowned for her imaginative storytelling. The book garnered significant industry recognition, being shortlisted for the prestigious Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2019 and longlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award in the same year. This initial success spearheaded a beloved series that expanded to five additional books, creating a total of six titles, all expertly brought to life by illustrator Sara Ogilvie.

Building on her established success, Shepherd secured a new multi-book deal in 2024 with Piccadilly Press, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, for an entirely new series titled ‘The Wood Where Magic Grows.’ This highly anticipated series is set to debut with its first book in July 2025, with a direct sequel following in July 2026. Prior to her full-time writing career, Shepherd honed her distinctive voice and understanding of engaging narratives through her studies in English and European Thought and Literature at university, followed by training as a teacher and working for Oxfam, experiences which inform her unique ability to connect with young audiences. Shepherd continues to expand her literary contributions, maintaining her signature focus on enchanting stories that connect children with nature and imagination. Her forthcoming works under ‘The Wood Where Magic Grows’ series promise to further cement her reputation for crafting narratives that inspire and resonate profoundly with young audiences globally, establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary children’s literature.