Yasmin Hanif

I write all genres of Children’s Literature from picture books, poetry, middle grade to young adult fiction. I was shortlisted for the Kavya Prize in 2023 for my debut picture book Abdullah’s Bear Needs a Name (Floris, 2025).

I was a writer-in-residence at a local primary school in Glasgow and contributed to their ‘We Can Be Heroes’ project, working with P5-6 pupils to promote diversity and inclusion within children’s writing and publishing. The project won the SAMEE Aspiring Writers Award and the Scottish Education Curriculum Innovation Award 2022.

I graduated in English Literature and Teaching respectively. I have almost two decades of experience in youth work and academia, having worked in schools, colleges, universities and the third sector extensively. I have developed and delivered a range of engaging, creative and bespoke programmes, workshops and events to suit different audiences, age groups and backgrounds.

For example, this includes: designing a programme on getting started with creative writing for disadvantaged young people; organising and being involved in large-scale events to promote the creative arts; and delivering a series of oral storytelling sessions for the local BPOC community. I am passionate about giving opportunities to everyone, particularly those who face barriers to education and learning.

(Also works in Urdu and Punjabi)

(Image credit: Hannah Rounding)