Picture a Northern England storyteller who weaves tales of healing and hope through the magic of nature—meet Susanna Bailey! With her heartwarming children’s novels like Snow Foal, Otters’ Moon, and Raven Winter, Bailey has become a beloved voice in middle-grade fiction, enchanting readers with her lyrical prose and deep empathy for both humans and animals.
Born near silvery beaches and purple moorlands, Bailey’s childhood was steeped in the beauty of the natural world, a theme that shines in her stories. Her books aren’t just adventures; they’re emotional journeys that explore friendship, resilience, and the bonds that mend broken hearts, making her a must-read for young dreamers and animal lovers alike.
The Making of Susanna Bailey
Growing up in Northern England, Susanna Bailey found solace in books from age four, her nose always buried in a story. A shy, imaginative child, she crafted tales with paper figures on cardboard stages, hinting at the storyteller she’d become. After a career in social work, where she witnessed the power of stories and animals to heal, Bailey pursued creative writing at Bath Spa University. There, under the guidance of award-winning author David Almond, she honed her craft, earning a BA and an MA in Writing for Young People with distinction.
Susanna Bailey’s Unforgettable Stories
Bailey’s debut, Snow Foal (2019), set in the snowy Yorkshire moors, follows Addie, a foster child, and a wild foal, both seeking home. Its tender exploration of belonging earned it a spot on the Blue Peter Book Prize longlist and a nomination for the Lancashire Libraries Fantastic Fiction Award. Otters’ Moon (2020), set on a remote Scottish island, weaves a tale of loneliness and hope as Luke rescues an otter pup named Willow. It won the Gold Made For Mums Award in 2021, celebrated for its emotional depth.
Raven Winter (2022) introduces Billie, who finds solace in nursing an injured raven while grappling with family struggles. Set against the Yorkshire Dales, it showcases Bailey’s knack for blending human emotions with nature’s magic. Her latest, Smugglers’ Fox (2023), continues her signature style—lyrical, heartfelt, and rich with animal connections. Bailey’s prose is vivid yet gentle, painting landscapes and emotions with equal care, making her stories resonate with readers aged 8–12 and beyond.
Her themes of healing, friendship, and the human-animal bond stem from her social work experience and love for nature’s quiet power. Critics praise her ability to craft standalone novels that feel both universal and deeply personal, earning comparisons to Jacqueline Wilson and Gill Lewis.
Why Susanna Bailey Matters
Susanna Bailey’s impact lies in her ability to reach young readers navigating tough emotions. Her stories offer hope, showing that even in dark times, connection—whether with a foal, an otter, or a raven—can light the way. As a lecturer at Bath Spa University, she inspires new writers, passing on the magic she learned from mentors like David Almond. Her awards, including the Bath Spa Undergraduate Prize for Writing for Young People, reflect her growing influence in children’s literature.
Bailey’s work reminds us that stories can heal, and her focus on nature’s role in emotional resilience feels timelier than ever. For young readers, her novels are a safe space to explore big feelings, making her a vital voice in middle-grade fiction.
- Key Works: Snow Foal, Otters’ Moon, Raven Winter, Smugglers’ Fox
- Awards: Gold Made For Mums 2021 (Otters’ Moon), Bath Spa Undergraduate Prize (2016)
- Influence: Mentored by David Almond, lecturer at Bath Spa University
About Susanna Bailey
Ready to dive into a world of heart and hope? Snag Snow Foal and let Susanna Bailey’s lyrical tales sweep you away!