Isabel Thomas

Awards

• Shortlisted ASE Book of the Year 2021
• Shortlisted Royal Society Young People's Book Prize 2016
• Shortlisted Blue Peter Book Awards 2011
• Shortlisted English 4-11 Picture Book Award 2019
• Winner Dapeng Children's Nature Book Award 2023
• Shortlisted ASE Book of the Year 2023
• Shortlisted The Week Junior Book Awards 2023
• Shortlisted ASE Book of the Year 2017
• Winner AAAS Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books 2020
• Winner AAAS Subaru Picture Book Prize 2023

Organisations

• Association of British Science Writers
• Secondary School Governor
• The Association for Science Education
• Society of Authors

Details

About me

I am a science writer, children's book author and features journalist for The Week Junior Science+Nature. With almost 300 published titles there is a book in my repertoire to delight every child, from the lyrical and atmospheric picture books Moth: An Evolution Story and Fox: A Circle of Life Story, to my bestselling The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions series.

I love bringing science to the stage in live events for schools and festivals. I offer half day visits, with a whole-school assembly followed by workshops that use science to engage children in non-fiction reading and writing.

I run an online, low-cost course for writers, illustrators, teachers and scientists who would like to turn a great idea into a non-fiction book proposal. Find out more here.

What schools say

" Thank you for the most engaging, stimulating and informative forty minutes via Zoom and for providing brilliant answers to our children's three impossible questions! You have inspired our Y5 children no end!"
–Levendale Primary School, Yarm

"We cannot thank you enough for a thoroughly inspirational afternoon! You were amazing! The children gone home raving about liquid cats and dogs swimming in ice-cream! Thank you so much!"
– Oasis Academy Henderson Avenue, Scunthorpe

"Award winning author, Isabel Thomas, visited on Tuesday 22nd November 2022 and did a wonderful workshop about her books and how science has inspired all of her work. She then did a book signing and officially opened our library. Our Head Boy, Head Girl and Junior Librarians joined in the ceremony. The children all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and were inspired by this AMAZING author."
– St Adrian's Catholic Primary School, St Albans

"I just wanted to to say, thank you again for taking time out of your day to talk to us. The kids absolutely loved it and certainly felt inspired to hear how you became a writer (one of our SEND boys created his own book right away about space after hearing you talk). We were also impressed by your knowledge about science with all our silly science questions."
– Mosborough Primary School, Sheffield

"Yesterday, children in Year 3 and Year 4 spent the morning meeting children's author, Isabel Thomas, via zoom. Isabel Thomas is a science author who has written many books, including her new book, 'The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions'. As you can imagine, the children were so excited to combine two of our favourites at Badger Hill: Science and reading.
'We had the opportunity to ask Isabel some 'impossible' science questions ourselves, such as 'Why are bubbles round?'. We really enjoyed our morning learning about being an author and a scientist too!' 
Sebastian said, "It inspired me to read more science books so I can become a scientist."
Pippa added,  " I really want to read The Bedtime book of impossible questions because it makes me think about what I can achieve, and hopefully become an author and write my own book."  Olivia loved the webinar and said. ‘’I enjoyed listening to the impossible questions and also listening to how she answered them.’’
– Badger Hill Academy, Tyne and Wear

“Pupils enjoyed a VIP visit from author Ms Isabel Thomas, on World Book Day, who ran inspirational workshops and activities with the girls. Pre-prep pupils were captivated with story-telling.”
– St Mary’s School, Cambridge

"Thank you so much for your amazing hard work and preparation for the fantastic three events today. It was so lovely to see all the children and teachers enjoying it."
– Little Ealing Primary School, London

“We thoroughly enjoyed having you, and the children (and teachers) had a great time.”
– Kingshott School, Hitchin

“Even some of my reluctant writers have shown renewed enthusiasm for writing since.”
– St Peter’s School, St Albans

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