As well as writing for children and teaching creative writing to adults, Dawn has worked as a children’s book editor and a primary school teacher. Her travels around the world have fuelled her passion for traditional stories from many cultures. She loves the music that words are made of, and considers passing on ‘tales of old’ a privilege and a pleasure.
Her re-tellings include Chinese legends, Irish myths, Egyptian epics, Asian fairytales and traditional fables.
Dawn’s deep feelings for nature are reflected in her latest collection, The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales. This beautifully illustrated anthology features wisdom tales from around the world which celebrate our planet and emphasise our role as its caretakers. Fun, creative activities accompany each tale.
Dawn also writes noisy wriggly picture books - More, More, More!, the tale of a whale with a voracious appetite, is published this year.
She lives in Sussex with her husband and two young daughters.

Workshops
Dawn offers readings, talks, questions and answer sessions and interactive storytelling for children across the primary age range.
Possibilities include:
Talking about the writing process
Running writing workshops (KS2)
Interactive storytelling - Dawn provides costumes for children to wear so they can join in the storytelling with noises and actions
Demonstrating the publishing process from original idea to published book - Dawn provides examples from every stage (from scribbled ideas, rough artwork, layout spreads, final illustrations and proof copies) for children to handle
Dawn prefers to work with one class at a time, but is always open to suggestions…

Books
The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales
Illustrated by Anne Wilson
Published by Barefoot Books, 2009
“A perfect anthology for the young naturalist, armchair traveler, and all-around curious mind” Borders Books

More, More, More!
Illustrated by Nick Price
Published by Bloomsbury
Publication due 2009

The Great Race – the Story of the Chinese Zodiac
Illustrated by Anne Wilson
Published by Barefoot Books, 2006
“An exuberant retelling… told skillfully… This is a great read-aloud.” papertigers.org

Fox Fables
Illustrated by Jago
Published by Mantra Publishing, 2006
“The perfect introduction to traditional fables brought to life with lively read-aloud text” Wendy Cooling

Isis and Osiris – an Egyptian Myth
Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry
Published by Mantra Publishing, 2006
“A lovely retelling of the story behind the creation of Egyptian burial rites” Bedfordshire Libraries

Yeh-hsien – a Chinese Cinderella
Illustrated by Richard Holland
Published by Mantra Publishing, 2006
“A wonderful find” School Librarian