Author Joanna Collingborn and illustrator Anna Platts have won the Golden Wizard Book Prize with their new children’s series of adventure stories inspired by Joanna’s life on her Wiltshire family farm
Joanna says, “It all seems quite unbelievable really and is very exciting. I have been awarded the Golden Wizard Book Prize for both Stuck in the Mud and Sledging in the Snow, which is incredible so I am now an award winning author!”
Joanna writes for children aged 5 to 8. The first two books in the series, Stuck in the Mud and Sledging in the Snow, are illustrated by fellow award-winner Anna Platts (who also illustrates 2023 prize-winning Dudley’s Garden series with Dinah Mason Eagers).
“The Golden Wizard Book Prize is an award dedicated to recognising brilliance in children’s literature. It means so much after I waited for such a long time until I was brave enough to contact a publisher, it all seems worth it now. I love seeing my books with the golden seal on!”
Joanna was inspired to write by her grandmother, who told tales about her own farming childhood.
“Farming is hard work but such a lovely way of life. The real Hillside Farm is an organic dairy farm, so we’re always working closely with nature and animals.
“As a child, I spent a lot of time on the farm feeding calves, kittens, lambs and lots more. There was always a job to do but it never seemed like work. Writing about fictional children Teddy and Lara and their adventures at Hillside is a way of sharing the joy of the rural life with other children.”
Joanna is a regular sight at schools in the area.
“I have been busy visiting schools and nurseries over the last couple of months and plan to visit lots more in the local area. It is so lovely being greeted by happy smiling faces and I am really enjoying reading my stories and signing books for the children.
“It is great to hear all the fabulous feedback and hear them laughing at the stories. They all love the beautiful illustrations as well and can try out the activities in the back of the books when they get home.”
Joanna has also received the good news that the books are now in stock at Westonbirt Arboretum, with further books in the series planned for release next year.
“My love of nature and farming are part of the reason I have been inspired to write. Children who read the books get to have an adventure with Granny and Grampy. They’re all about fostering a love for the outdoors, just like visits to Westonbirt with my own children.
“Stuck in the Mud is about a very rainy day when the quad bike gets stuck in a muddy gateway. Teddy and Grampy have to go and rescue it, then in Sledging in the Snow, Teddy’s younger sister Lara spots the moment when snowflakes start to fall, and a new adventure begins, just like real life on the farm.
“I do think it is important to learn about nature and wildlife from an early age so children grow up respecting the environment and learning how to look after the countryside.”
