Picture an American storyteller who weaves fairytales brimming with magic and heart—meet Catherine Bakewell! This rising star in children’s and Young Adult fantasy has enchanted readers with her lush worlds and relatable characters. From her debut novel We Are the Song to the bestselling Flowerheart, Bakewell’s stories blend whimsical settings with deep emotional truths, making her a beloved voice in fantasy.
Currently based in St. Louis, Missouri, Bakewell’s journey is as vibrant as her prose. Her time in Spain and France, where she wandered gardens and savored pastries, infused her writing with a dreamy, fairytale-like quality. Let’s dive into the life, works, and magic of this captivating author!
The Making of Catherine Bakewell
Born with a love for stories, Catherine Bakewell grew up surrounded by books, fostering a passion for reading and writing. Her experiences abroad in Spain and France shaped her imagination, inspiring settings filled with gilded palaces and snow-dusted wildernesses. An opera enthusiast and artist, Bakewell’s creative spirit shines through in her lyrical prose. She honed her craft under the guidance of mentors and her agent, Jordan Hamessley at JABberwocky Literary Agency, launching her career with a splash in 2022.
Bakewell’s early forays into writing included short stories and poetry, earning her accolades like the Phoenix Literary Festival short story competition. Her role as a mentor in programs like Author Mentor Match reflects her commitment to nurturing new writers, a nod to the teachers and friends who championed her own spark of creativity.
Catherine Bakewell’s Unforgettable Stories
Bakewell’s debut, We Are the Song (2022), is a Middle Grade fantasy that introduces Elissa, a girl whose magical voice can heal wounds and end wars. Set in a baroque-inspired world, the story explores music as magic, earning praise for its sumptuous settings and heartfelt narrative. Critics lauded its unique magical system and Bakewell’s ability to craft a fiercely determined protagonist.
In 2023, Flowerheart, a Young Adult fantasy romance, solidified Bakewell’s reputation. The story follows Clara, whose wild magic accidentally curses her father with poisonous flowers. To save him, she teams up with her childhood friend Xavier, unraveling secrets in a cozy, cottagecore world. Reviewers, including New York Times bestselling author Allison Saft, called it “vibrant and sweet,” praising its sensitive exploration of mental health through Clara’s anxiety-driven magic.
Her latest, Where Shadows Bloom (2025), is a sapphic YA fantasy featuring a lady knight and noblewoman navigating a mysterious court filled with shadow monsters and poetry. Early buzz on social media highlights its romantic yearning and dual POV, cementing Bakewell’s knack for crafting emotionally resonant tales. Her style—lyrical, hopeful, and steeped in fairytale aesthetics—draws readers into worlds where love and resilience triumph.
Why Catherine Bakewell Matters
Catherine Bakewell’s impact lies in her ability to blend enchantment with universal themes. Her stories resonate with young readers by addressing complex emotions like anxiety, identity, and love through magical lenses. By creating relatable characters in fantastical settings, she invites readers to embrace their own “big feelings,” as she puts it. Her inclusive narratives, like the sapphic romance in Where Shadows Bloom, broaden representation in YA fantasy, earning her a devoted following.
Bakewell’s mentorship and engagement with fans, from book signings to social media, amplify her influence. Her work inspires aspiring writers to lean into their passions, proving that even a lone voice can change the world, much like Elissa’s song. As her bibliography grows, Bakewell is poised to leave a lasting mark on fantasy literature.
- Birthplace: United States
- Key Works: We Are the Song (2022), Flowerheart (2023), Where Shadows Bloom (2025)
- Fun Fact: She’s an opera enthusiast who draws inspiration from baroque music.
Snag Flowerheart or Where Shadows Bloom and dive into Catherine Bakewell’s whimsical fantasy worlds! Her stories are a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon—perfect for anyone craving magic and heart.