Nicola Davies is BookTrust's new writer in reseidence

PROLIFIC writer Nicola Davies has been appointed BookTrust’s new writer in residence – whose books include, Whale Boy, Tiny, Just Ducks!

She takes over the role for six months and has promised to use her time to ­encourage youngsters to get out and enjoy nature. Nicola, who often draws on her experience as a zoologist and ­wildlife presenter in her books, says she wants children to discover more about the natural world through words and pictures.

She said: “I’m very happy to have been chosen to be a Writer in Residence for BookTrust – there are so many things I want to do over the next few months! I love nature, poems and pictures, so there will be lots of focus on these.

“My aim for each of the posts of my residency is to offer you a bit of the three ‘Is’ – that’s Information, Ideas and Inspiration. Information, because you may need some clues about what you’re going to write about; Ideas because you might need some help with how to write; and Inspiration so that you can really feel that your writing can be fabulous.”

She is the 14th writer or illustrator to hold the post and will be making regular contributions to the writer-in-residence blog. There will also be a primary school poetry competition.

Book Trust CEO Diana Gerald said: “We fully support Nicola on her mission to get children exploring and appreciating the natural world. We hope children across the country enjoy getting outside discovering, reading and writing about their adventures.”

Read the blog here.