How does it feel to be a judge again on this year’s Wainwright Prize?
It’s a joy to be back on the judging panel for the Children’s Wainwright Prize. The children’s fiction category is incredibly strong with a wide range of voices, styles and approaches. Each author manages to tackle serious, urgent themes without compromising on storytelling magic. I’m honoured to be a part of the selection process, and I can’t wait for the shortlist to be announced!
What do you think has been the biggest challenge and change of nature writing in the last 10 years?
I think one of the challenges of nature writing has been moving it from something quite niche/specialist to becoming one of the central conversations of our time. The books coming out over the past decade seem to be more accessible, and I’m glad to see they’re starting to be more inclusive of voices that have been left out of this space.
Why do you believe nature writing is so important, both for yourself and our future generations?
Climate change is happening, and it’s urgent. Nature writing helps spread the word not only about what needs to be done on a grand scale, but also about what individuals and communities are doing and how we can all get involved. I hope that future generations can look back and see the seeds of ideas planted by those among us who are trying to be better ancestors.
Do you have early memories of discovering the natural world around you?
My mum was a keen gardener, and while sadly I didn’t inherit her green fingers, I used to like wandering in her garden, tasting honeysuckle nectar. I also enjoyed listening to her stories of growing up in the village in eastern Nigeria, where there was a deep respect for nature. For instance, they would offer a prayer to trees before they cut them down. It’s sad how much has been lost. As a child, my favourite stories were about Winnie the Pooh and I loved visiting Ashdown Forest and playing Pooh Sticks!
What specific messages do you hope children’s nature writing can give to younger readers?
The most powerful message is that we have a huge task ahead of us with the environmental crisis, but that we don’t have to face it alone. In fact, the only thing that can save us is if we work together. Even the tiniest among us can help, too.
Are you hopeful for future generations and their relationship with the natural world?
Today’s kids are incredibly sensitive and also proactive when it comes to raising their voices for positive change and even taking to the streets. They get a bad rap sometimes, but I have a lot of faith in the next generation.
What’s your hope for political leaders and those with power when it comes to protecting our planet?
I want them to honour the promises they’ve made and to start spending money in the right direction. Stop funding wars and fossil fuel extraction and invest in renewable and sustainable goals. We need more caretaker leaders who are willing to sacrifice quick profit for the long-term well-being of our planet. I also want the powers that be to acknowledge that there is no planet care without people care and that we have to tackle the racial, social and generational inequalities holding us back. As Maya Angelou said: “We need joy as we need air. We need love as we need water. We need each other as we need the earth we share.”