Karl Newson

Karl is an award-winning children's book author who enjoys writing in rhyme and in prose, on a variety of themes and subjects. Karl's books have been shortlisted for the Booktrust Storytime Prize, Sainsbury's Children's Book Award, Oscar's Book Prize and the Alligator's Mouth Award, among others, and are published in over 25 languages around the world.

Karl grew up in Norwich, Norfolk, spending days playing in fields and nights gazing at the stars. He was inspired to write his first story by his children when they were small, and he still writes for them now, even though they are bigger than him. When Karl isn’t writing he enjoys walking in woods, listening to music and reading nonsense poetry.

He lives in London with his family and a forest of pot plants.

Latest Publications:

How To Mend a Friend (June 2021, Studio Press)

A heartfelt picture book that explains empathy, told in simple words.

Some friends need a great big hug to make them feel well.
Some prefer to be alone. Some listen, others tell
the most adventurous stories of the times that went before!
Some friends may not want to talk about them anymore.

How to Mend a Friend is a heartfelt picture book which touches on empathy, loss and friendship.

At times, we all feel a little bit broken. Karl's simple text is a guide on How to Mend a Friend, whether it's a friend with a broken toy, a broken heart, a loss they can't explain or the sadness that comes when someone else eats the last cookie.

Featuring a child and an imaginary animal friend, children will find it easy to relate to the story throughout, whilst learning how they might support a friend who feels sad.

I Really, Really Need A Wee (November 2020, Little Tiger Press)