About | Mariesa Dulak | Children's Author

I was born in Harrogate, North Yorkshire and I am of dual heritage (Black Barbadian/White British).

Books were an important part of my childhood. One of my earliest memories is clambering onto my mum’s lap with a copy of Grimm’s Fairytales. My dad took my sister and I to Harrogate Central Library every Saturday morning where I quietly munched my way through their children’s collection. I’ve loved libraries ever since.

In 2017 I showed an editorial friend a picture book text about a crocodile, and she suggested I apply to the Golden Egg Academy. The course was a life changer for me and within a year of completing it I had found an agent (the lovely Gill McLay), won the FAB prize, and secured a three-book deal with Faber. Contracts with Walker Books and DK soon followed.

I now divide my time between writing and working as a primary school librarian (a job I LOVE).

I live in west London with my husband, two children and a very shy cat called Cookie. I love Bajan sunshine, cycling, crocodiles, coffee and cake!

After graduating from Kings College London with a degree in English Literature, I spent a few years waitressing and bookselling, before finally securing a job at Penguin Books.

One year later, I moved into Children’s Publishing and stayed in the industry for many years, running marketing campaigns for brands like Rainbow Magic, Pokémon and Asterix. In 2002 I completed an MA in Children’s Literature and started to write my own stories. Occasionally, I would send something to an agent… I got a LOT of rejections!