What are the magic ingredients that go into producing the best-loved and bestselling children’s books? Whether you need tips on writing the perfect story, creating the most lovable pictures, or just how to get your work in the shops, this event will illuminate the process of writing, illustrating and publishing from once-upon-a-time to happily ever after.

This enlightening event will feature acclaimed children’s book creator, Chris Haughton of A Bit Lost, Oh No George!, and Shh! We Have a Plan, his editor, Maria Elizabeth Tunney and Walker picture book publisher, Deirdre McDermott, as they discuss the process of writing and publishing books for young children.

Come along to find out how you could become the next bestselling children’s author.

About The Speakers

Chris Haughton

Chris Haughton is an Irish designer and illustrator whose work has been translated into over 20 languages and won awards both in the UK and internationally. His picture books include A Bit Lost, Oh No, George! and Shh! We Have a Plan. His latest work Goodnight Everyone was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Award.

Deirdre McDermott

Deirdre McDermott is the Publisher and Creative Director of the picture book list at Walker Books. She has worked with many well known contemporary bookmakers including Helen Oxenbury, Chris Haughton, Inga Moore, John Burningham, Anita Jeram, Jean Jullien and Oliver Jeffers. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, she has a degree in Visual Communication from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin.

Photo by Sarah Pannasch.

Maria Tunney

Maria Tunney joined Walker Books in 2009 and is now a Senior Commissioning Picture Book Editor, working with such bookmakers as Timothy Knapman, Sean Taylor, Jarvis and Polly Dunbar. Originally from Donegal, Ireland, she completed a degree at Trinity College Dublin and a MA in Publishing from University College London.

Photo by Sarah Pannasch.