The Children's Wainwright Prize for Non-Fiction

Shortlist 2026

Letters From Wonderland

By Josie George & Becky Thorns (illustrator)

In this beautifully illustrated collection of letters, Josie George, well-being guru, shows readers that the world is full of magic and mystery, if only you look hard enough.

Because Wonderland exists outside of stories – it’s in the cracks between the pavement, in neglected urban spaces, in overgrown gardens, in weeds and upturned flower pots . . .

Part mystery, part guide, part manifesto for hope Letters from Wonderland will take you on a journey of discovery into the magical world around you.

About Josie George & Becky Thorns (illustrator)

Josie George is a writer and artist living in the West Midlands. She is the author of the highly acclaimed memoir A Still Life, writes the Substack blog ‘bimblings’ and is a regular columnist for the Guardian Country Diary. Champion of all who feel worn out, too different or too ordinary, Josie’s voice is a restoring breath of fresh air in what can feel like an overly-slick, fast, loud and greedy world.

Becky Thorns is an illustrator based in Cornwall. She works with publishers and media on a wide range of exciting projects. She enjoys the great outdoors or curling up with a nature documentary.

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