Clare Helen Welsh

Hello! I’m Clare Helen Welsh, a children’s author based in Devon. I write everything from picture books to early readers, young fiction to non-fiction. Sometimes those books are laugh out loud funny. Indeed, I won the esteemed Laugh out Loud Funny Prize in 2023 for my book with Nicola O’Byrne, ‘Wee? It Wasn’t Me!’ Other times, my writing is sensitive and lyrical. I have written books about cancer, dementia, divorce and moving house to support children going through challenging times.

Common themes across my work include kindness, curiosity, nature and emotional wellbeing. Almost all of my stories are influenced by the natural world and my experiences working as a teacher and mental health champion. In my spare time, I run a review site called Books That Help to support families finding the books they need most. (www.booksthathelp.co.uk)

I love visiting schools to share my love of storytelling and to inspire children create their own stories. I run creative writing workshops, sessions around a particular theme, assemblies and family sessions. I travel about in my authormobile (travelling office-library on wheels).  If you see me, give me a toot and a wave!