Susanna Bailey
Children's Author
Books
Susanna is a graduate of the Bath Spa University BA (Hons) Creative Writing and MAWYP. She has been a Lecturer in Creative Writing at the university for 8 years.
In a previous career in social work, Susanna shared in the real-life stories of many amazing young people and discovered how helpful stories can be when children are confused, sad, or afraid. She also learned of the healing power of nature; of wild, quiet, green spaces. She decided to see if she could write about these things...
Her debut novel, Snow Foal was published in November 2019, to critical acclaim, longlisted for the key Blue Peter Best Stories Award, and nominated for the Lancashire Libraries Fantastic Fiction Award 2021.
Prior to publication, Snow Foal was shortlisted for the 2017 Joan Aiken Future Classics Prize and given ‘Honorary Mention’ in the Bath Spa/United Agents Prize of that year.
Susanna’s second novel for young readers, Otters’ Moon, published in October 2020. It was chosen as the basis for the National Federation for Education Research/ Bite into Writing Book 3 (UK Year 6 teacher and pupil resource). It also jointly won 1st-place in the Made for Mums Awards 2021 (9-12s category) as the standout fiction title for this age group.
Her third middle-grade novel, Raven Winter, published in December 2021, was nominated for the YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING. A fourth middle grade novel, Smugglers’ Fox, followed in July 2023.
Susanna’s titles have now been published in Denmark, Ireland, Czechoslovakia, Romania, the USA and Canada.
Children's
| Publication Details | Notes |
|---|---|
2019 Farshore | 'I absolutely love Snow Foal – it's so truthful, tender and touching. A book to read in a day and remember for a lifetime.' – Dame Jacqueline Wilson The perfect children's book to curl up with and begin the new year. A beautiful and heart-wrenching middle grade debut for kids aged 9 to 11, full of love, healing, friendship and hope. Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson's Tracey Beaker, Cathy Cassidy, Pax and Gill Lewis. When eleven-year-old Addie goes to stay with a foster family on a remote Exmoor farm in the midst of a very cold winter, she is full of hurt, anger and a deep mistrust of everyone around her. Until one day, when she rescues a tiny wild foal from the moorland snow and Addie discovers that perhaps she’s not so alone after all. And as adventure and unexpected friendship blossom, Addie is determined that both of them will know what is to be home again soon … A beautifully written, warm read for anyone looking for a gorgeous family book to read together and to capture the imagination of young horse fans too. |
2020 Farshore | The brand new novel from the critically-acclaimed author of Snow Foal. A beautiful and heart-wrenching middle grade debut for kids aged 9 to 12, set in the beautiful wilds of a remote Scottish island. Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Cathy Cassidy, Tarka the Otter and Gill Lewis. Luke hates his life. His dad is busy with a shiny replacement family and his mum has insisted they spend their holiday on a remote Scottish island. Then Luke meets Meg, who lives with her grandfather in a boarded-up boat house on the beach. And when together they rescue an otter pup that they name Willow, a chink of light appears in Luke’s dark and lonely days. But danger lurks behind the beauty of Puffin Bay – and soon Luke must depend upon Willow for his very survival … |
2021 Farshore | ‘A mesmerising voice’ – Joanna Nadin A brand new novel from Susanna Bailey – the bestselling author of Snow Foal and a new star of middle grade contemporary fiction. Ever since Billie’s kind and nature-loving dad went to prison, her life has lost its shine. And now, Mum’s new boyfriend has moved in and home is full of sharp-glass silences. Billie’s never felt more alone. Until one day she discovers an injured young raven and in nursing him back to life, Billie finds friendship, hope and a letter that might bring her one step closer to reuniting with Dad. Raven Winter is the story of friendship, family and the belief in a very special relationship with a young raven set against the beautiful and the wintery backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales. |
2023 Farshore | ‘Haunting and lovely’ – Anthony McGowan “A truly inspirational story about finding the courage to face your fears” – Mel Darbon Jonah is Rio’s big brother. It’s his job. It always has been. Especially when Mam does one of her disappearing acts, like now. Her name’s Marina, which means ‘from the sea’. And just like the sea: she changes with the wind. She comes, she goes. |