Morag Hood (author) facts for kids

Morag Hood (born in 1986) is a talented Scottish writer and illustrator who creates amazing books for children. She often uses a special art technique called lino printing in her drawings. Her stories are unique because the words and pictures work together, leaving space for you, the reader, to imagine and fill in the details! Many of her books explore important ideas like friendships, including everyone, and understanding differences. Morag studied children's book illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. She has won several awards, including the UKLA Book Awards for her books Colin and Lee, Carrot and Pea (in 2018) and I am Bat (in 2019). Her books have also been nominated for other big awards, like the Kate Greenaway Medal.

Discover Morag Hood's Books

Morag Hood's books are mostly published by Two Hoots, which is part of Macmillan Publishers. Her popular Sophie Johnson series is published by Simon & Schuster.

Books Morag Hood Wrote and Illustrated

• Colin and Lee, Carrot and Pea was Morag's first book, published in 2017. It's about a pea and a carrot who are best friends, even though they have different abilities. Reviewers said the book had "understated humor" and helped readers think. It won the 2018 UKLA Book Awards for young children. This book has been translated into German, Spanish, and Chinese.

• I am Bat, published in 2017, tells the story of a fruit bat who loves cherries. When the cherries are gone, the bat is surprised to find a pear and likes it! This book shows how the bat learns to adapt. It was shortlisted for the 2019 Bookbug Picture Book Prize. It was also given to many young students in Scotland by the Scottish Book Trust. Like her first book, I am Bat won the 2019 UKLA Book Awards.

• The Steves, published in 2018, is a funny story about two puffins, both named Steve. Neither Steve wants to change their name! The Guardian newspaper even listed it as one of the best new picture books for kids in 2018.

• When Grandad was a Penguin, published in 2018, is about a grandad who starts acting a bit strange. His clothes don't fit, he loves fish, and he's found in odd places. It turns out there was a mix-up at the zoo! Grandad was living with penguins, and a penguin was living in his house. This book is full of funny pictures that tell the story.

• Aalfred and Aalbert, published in 2019, is about two aardvarks who have different sleep schedules and can never meet. A helpful bird tries to bring them together. It's a sweet and funny story about two friends finally meeting and living happily ever after.

• Brenda is a Sheep, published in 2019, introduces an unusual sheep named Brenda. Brenda has sleek gray fur, long teeth, and doesn't like grass. The other sheep love Brenda, even as Brenda starts planning a big feast that needs lots of mint sauce! This book is known for its clever and mischievous humor.

Books Morag Hood Wrote

• Sophie Johnson: Unicorn Expert, published in 2018, was illustrated by Ella Okstad. This book follows a young girl, Sophie Johnson, who thinks she knows everything about unicorns. The funny part is, she doesn't even notice a real unicorn that wanders into her home! The book cleverly combines words and pictures, letting readers imagine parts of the story. It was shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize 2020.

• Sophie Johnson: Detective Genius is the sequel to the first Sophie Johnson book, published in 2019, also illustrated by Ella Okstad. In this story, Sophie decides to become a detective. She tries to teach her toys and pets how to solve mysteries. While Sophie talks about her amazing detective skills, her dog quietly solves a few crimes without her even noticing!

Morag Hood's Journey

Morag Hood first studied costume design at Wimbledon College of Arts. Later, she earned her master's degree in children's book illustration from the Cambridge School of Art. While she was an art student, she entered a competition called the Macmillan Prize, and both of her entries were chosen as finalists! Before becoming a writer, she worked as a costume designer for several theater companies, including the Young Vic. She then realized her true passion was creating children's books. Today, Morag lives in Edinburgh with her husband, Icelandic writer Snorri Kristjánsson.