‘’I haven't met a child who didn't LOVE these books. Sweet, funny, odd in a life-affirming way’’ - Caitlin Moran

Taking inspiration from traditional tales, then updating with a modern twist, Nadia Shireen has created a wonderfully energetic and humorous picture book series.

Billy is a heroine for young readers. She is a plucky and resourceful character, who keeps donuts in her hair (sometimes for emergencies; mostly for hangry fat cats) and who can outwit a ferocious beast with nothing more than feisty quick-thinking.

The books are written and illustrated by Nadia Shireen whose debut book Good Little Wolf received a mention in the Bologna Ragazzi Opera Prima Award, and went on to win the UKLA Book Award. Nadia’s subsequent books have since been shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, The Sainsbury’s Book Award and the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. Billy and the Beast was shortlisted for the inaugural Booktrust Story Time Prize.

Nadia is an important voice in championing diversity: she is supporting Write Now, a pivotal inclusivity programme and recently supported the Great Get Together, in memory of MP Jo Cox. She visited Jo Cox's primary school on the anniversary of her death and spoke to students about diversity, tolerance and acceptance - values which are all powerfully depicted in her books.

There are three adventures in this picture book series;

Billy and the Beast

Billy is brilliantly inventive when it comes to persuading the Terrible Beast from doing a truly terrible thing!

Billy and the Dragon

An exciting tale of derring-do framed around a fancy-dress party and a super-daring rescue.

Billy and the Pirates

In a topsy-turvy swashbuckling adventure Billy, a noble seafarer and her loyal shipmate Fatcat set out on a hunt for fun and adventure. 

The books are a a joy to read aloud, with lots of luscious onomatopoeia to revel in and with great prompts to spark discussion. Read our full reviews of all of the books in the series and you can download the first few pages of each book.