Guest Judges

Phoebe Demeger

Phoebe Demeger is the Librarian at the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE). A former Bookseller, she manages CLPE’s extensive library of children’s books, hosts regular visitors to the library, and assists in the delivery of training programmes and events. She produces book reviews and recommendations for CLPE, ensuring that the very best titles find their way into classrooms and schools.

Chris Haughton

Chris Haughton is an Irish author and illustrator based in London. Before getting into making books he worked as a designer for fair trade project. He has written and illustrated seven books including A BIT LOST, OH NO GEORGE!, SHH! WE HAVE A PLAN and MAYBE. His first non-fiction title THE HISTORY OF INFORMATION came out in 2024. It traces the history of information and disinformation, from pre-historic drawing to writing, to print, media, computing and the internet. http://chrishaughton.com

Alom Shaha

Alom Shaha is a Physics teacher and the author of several books including Mr Shaha’s Recipes for Wonder and Mr Shaha’s Marvellous Machines (Scribe Publications, 2018 & 2021) as well as The Young Atheist’s Handbook (Biteback Publishing 2014) and How to Find a Rainbow. @alomshaha / https://alomshaha.com/

Soofiya

Soofiya is an illustrator, designer and lecturer who work is principally in the arts, cultural and activist sectors. Soofiya’s art practice and writings aim to articulate a commentary on gender, race, politics and bodies through a DIY and therapeutically informed approach. Their recent work includes the resource, ‘Free Palestine Zine’ and illustrations for Otter Barry’s young reader series, Nikhil and Jay, authored by Chitra Soundar. @soofiya