Words and Pictures with Craig Barr-Green

Learn how it feels to be shortlisted for so many awards, why we need neurodiverse characters and his tops tips for writers

This week we’re joined by writer and lecturer Craig Barr-Green whose picture book Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf has been shortlisted for a staggering number of awards.

We talked about the impact of being up for so many awards, the inspiration for Gina Kaminski, how working as a bookseller and lecturer influences his writing and why neurodiverse characters are so important.

Craig Barr-Green writes fiction, non-fiction and theatre for children. He also teaches at Falmouth University where he lectures on children's literature, tutors emerging writers and regularly pops up at festivals to read stories and interview other authors.

Craig's picture book Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, Oscar's Book Prize, The Diverse Book Awards, The UK Literacy Association Book Awards, the Inclusive Books for Children Award, the Spark! School Book Award and the Derby Children's Book Award.

You can watch our conversation here:

You can find out more about Craig on his website or instagram.

Submission opportunities

The Jericho Prize is also now open to picture book manuscripts from Black British writers. The deadline is 30th April.

Find our full round up of this month’s submission opportunities for children’s authors and illustrators here.

Special April offer for feedback on picture book texts

This month Naomi is running a special offer for feedback on picture book manuscripts. If you have a picture book text (up to 1000 words) that you’d like some guidance on then she can help.

As well as being a published author, Naomi worked in publishing for eight years and has been a freelance editor and mentor for over six.

For just £50 she’ll provide notes on your manuscript as well as written feedback on key points in an email. Do get in touch if you’d like to know more.

Why subscribe to Words and Pictures?

• We’ll share everything we know about making books and how the industry works in a new post each Monday.

• Every month we’ll hold a live session for community members to ask us anything and everything they want to know about writing, illustrating and getting published. The next live session is Sunday 27th April 8.30pm GMT.

• There will also be free interviews every Friday with authors, illustrators and publishing professionals as they spill the ink about life behind the scenes making books.

• Every month we’ll also highlight submission opportunities and exciting new releases in the world of children’s books.