We Are Family
There’s Dad’s disgusting nettle soup and peculiar pancakes, horrible home haircuts, punishing press-ups and scum in the bath tub. BUT then there’s the joy of boxing lessons with Dad, fun family outings, jokes and pranks – and storytelling round the fire. Not to mention a homemade birthday cake like no other!
The author's real-life childhood – rough, tough but happy – is vividly depicted in this ground-breaking, debut story told in poems.
Oliver Sykes grew up on a council estate in Derbyshire. A former amateur boxer and qualified boxing coach, since 2015 he has worked with Manchester-based Stories of Care, where he is now Lead Artist and Producer. His debut story, Alfie's First Fight, illustrated by Ian Morris, is winner of the 'Illustrated Young Reader' category at the 2023 Children's Literature Festivals Book Awards. A theatre adaptation went on a national tour of England in 2022. Oliver lives in Manchester.
Ian Morris has a Master's degree in Illustration from Manchester School of Art. In 2017 he was one of 'Top 10 Upcoming Image Makers' recognised by the Association of Illustrators. He has been nominated for the Carnegie Illustration Medal 2023 and longlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize 2022. Ian is enthusiastic about encouraging reading and drawing in young children and is a Literacy Champion with the National Literacy Trust for Manchester Central Library. He lives in Manchester.