I write stories, picture books, plays, poetry, and non-fiction books for children. In 2008 my first two story books, Mandi and the Moonstones (illustrated by Alzette Prins) and Out of the Box( illustrated by Sandy Lightly) were published by Shuter & Shooter. Three more books are being released by Shuter & Shooter early in 2009 as part of the Out of the Box series. Quirky in character, each book deals with a different philosophical topic for young children.

I have also written eleven readers for children aged 8 to 9 and 11 to 13 years old, as part of the Rainbow Reading Wall which is being launched by Cambridge University Press in 2009. These include stories, poetry, plays and non-fiction.

My background is in education and drama and I taught drama to children for many years. This experience gave me a deep understanding of storytelling and I began to learn what material appeals to different ages. During this time, I was also the director of a children’s theatre club at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town where I wrote and directed many educational plays for children. I have worked subsequently as an English teacher and Playback Theatre actor, all which have contributed to my understanding of story and narrative.

My education includes a Master Degree in Creative Writing from the University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia, An Honours Degree in Educational Drama, A Bachelor Degree in English, Drama and Psychology, a Diploma in teaching English as a Foreign Language, and a Performers Diploma in Speech & Drama (University of Cape Town, South Africa).

I love writing for children and am inspired to write for a range of ages, in many different styles, genres, and on a variety of different topics and themes.

Nicole Levin 2008