Kathryn Simmonds is a poet, and now author of children's picture books. Both Princes Don't Practise - the tale of Prince Lupin, who learns that even princes need to practise - and Twenty Bears on Holiday come out in 2026.

Kathryn has written all sorts of things – stories for radio, questions for quiz machines, books of poems, sketch comedy, a novel, and now, at long last, picture books.

Her debut children's book Be My Sunflower, with Rosalind Beardshaw for Walker, is the moving story of Vernon - a seed who is happy in his packet, and reluctant to grow into anything at all, thank you.

Kathryn's second picture book Trouble at the Bug Hotel, is also for Walker. An extremely funny book, it stars Branwell the solitary bee, and is set in a bug hotel. Illustrated with vintage panache by Tor Freeman.

Bloomsbury described her next book - Twenty Bears - as "the funniest counting book of the year". It's sequel comes out inn 2026. Both are Illustrated by Alison Brown - of I Love You Night and Day.

Kathryn’s husband is also a writer and they have too many books in their house. She loves the beach, but is afraid of seagulls. Life can be difficult.

Kathryn is represented by The Catchpole Agency for children's books.