Kent Author Thrilled as Dragon Fantasy Lands on Waterstones Prize Shortlist!

Steph Williamson, a writer from Canterbury in Kent, is feeling very proud and excited because her first book has been shortlisted for a major award. She writes under the name SF Williamson and her book, 'A Language of Dragons,' is a fantasy thriller for young adults. The story is about dragons who are at war with humans, and it has been entered into the 'Books for Older Readers' category of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. This prize is special because both booksellers and school children get to vote for the books they think are the best new stories and illustrations for young readers.

Steph remembers spending a lot of time in Waterstones when she was a child. She said it was a place where she felt safe and where she could dream about becoming a writer one day. Now, she is 'overjoyed and honoured' that her own book is being recognized in the same bookstore she loved so much. The cover of her book is very eye-catching, with a purple dragon in front of a red and yellow background. The title is written in bright yellow and white letters, and the main color of the cover is navy blue.

The Waterstones Children's Book Prize has been running for 22 years and is known for helping new writers and illustrators become successful. There are three categories in the prize, and each category has four books competing to win. That means there are twelve books on the shortlist this year. Some famous authors and illustrators, like Katherine Rundell, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, and Rob Biddulph, started their careers after being recognized by this prize. Bea Carvalho, who is the head of books at Waterstones, said the prize is all about helping children and teenagers discover a love of reading by highlighting the most exciting new writers and artists. The winners of each category will then compete for the overall title of Waterstones Children's Book Prize Winner 2026. Steph Williamson is very proud to be part of this tradition and hopes her story will inspire many young readers to enjoy books and use their imagination.