Picture a British storyteller who sends sky-ships soaring through steampunk skies—meet Vashti Hardy! This award-winning children’s author weaves thrilling tales that spark young imaginations with adventure, courage, and a touch of wonder. From the beloved Brightstorm series to standalone gems like Wildspark, Hardy’s stories blend fantastical worlds with heartfelt themes, making her a standout in middle-grade fiction.
With a knack for crafting vivid settings and plucky characters, Hardy invites readers to explore uncharted lands and question the world around them. Her stories, rooted in her love for exploration and invention, have captivated children and educators alike, earning accolades like the Blue Peter Book Award. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this imaginative author!
The Making of Vashti Hardy
Born and raised in the UK, Vashti Hardy splits her time between Lancashire and Sussex, drawing inspiration from both coastal and countryside landscapes. A former primary school teacher, she nurtured young minds with a passion for creative writing, particularly free-writing and fantasy world-building. Armed with a first-class honours teaching degree and an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester, Hardy transitioned from teaching to storytelling, channeling her love for adventure into books. Her time at the Golden Egg Academy, a hub for aspiring children’s authors, honed her craft, setting the stage for her breakout success.
Hardy’s early career as a copywriter and digital marketing executive sharpened her ability to connect with audiences, but it was her fascination with historical explorers and inventors that shaped her narrative voice. This blend of real-world curiosity and fantastical flair became the heartbeat of her stories, resonating with readers who crave adventure.
Vashti Hardy’s Unforgettable Stories
Hardy’s debut, Brightstorm (2018), launched her into the spotlight with its steampunk-infused tale of twins Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm. Set in an alternate London called Lontown, the story follows the twins’ sky-ship quest to clear their father’s name and uncover secrets in South Polaris. Packed with sapient animals, daring escapes, and a villainous Eudora Vane, the Brightstorm Chronicles—spanning Darkwhispers, Firesong, and Serpent of the Sands—blend heart-pounding action with themes of family, resilience, and truth.
Beyond Brightstorm, Hardy’s Wildspark (2019) won the Blue Peter Book Award for its poignant exploration of grief and invention in a world where mechanical creatures roam. Crowfall (2021) tackles environmental themes through a boy, a robot, and a sea monster, while the Harley Hitch series, aimed at younger readers, follows a spirited inventor in a whimsical, illustrated world. Hardy’s style shines through her vivid world-building, steampunk gadgets, and multifaceted characters—like Arthur, a disabled adventurer with a prosthetic arm—making her stories accessible and inspiring.
Her narratives often weave thought-provoking questions about identity, morality, and courage, encouraging young readers to think deeply while savoring the thrill of the journey. With illustrations by George Ermos adding charm, Hardy’s books are a visual and emotional feast, shortlisted for awards like the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.
Why Vashti Hardy Matters
Vashti Hardy’s impact on children’s literature lies in her ability to craft stories that entertain and enlighten. Her books, used in schools to teach topics like exploration and environmentalism, ignite curiosity and empathy in young readers. By featuring diverse characters and steampunk-inspired settings, she broadens the scope of middle-grade fiction, offering kids a lens to view their own potential. Hardy’s connection with readers—through school visits and heartfelt Q&As—creates a sense of adventure that lingers long after the last page.
Her work, translated into multiple languages, has a global reach, proving that stories of bravery and invention resonate universally. As an alumna of the Golden Egg Academy, Hardy also mentors aspiring writers, fostering the next generation of storytellers. Her legacy is one of wonder, encouraging kids to dream big and explore boldly.
- Key Works: Brightstorm (2018), Wildspark (2019), Crowfall (2021), Harley Hitch series
- Awards: Blue Peter Book Award (2020) for Wildspark, shortlisted for Waterstones Children’s Book Prize
- Fun Fact: Hardy’s love for explorers like Shackleton inspired Brightstorm’s sky-ship adventures!
Ready for a literary adventure? Snag Brightstorm or Wildspark and soar into Vashti Hardy’s thrilling steampunk worlds!