NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS Aneesa Marufu Where are you based, and how would you sum up the place in three words?  I live in Manchester and I would describe the place as lively, diverse and busy. What is special to you about writing children's books, and what is your favourite part of the process? i think the reason I love writing for young adults is because that was the age I truly fell in love with reading. My biggest hope of writing for that age group is to be able to ignite that same passion for reading in teenagers today. Tell us about the most recent books you've worked on My debut, The Balloon Thief , published on World Book Day at the beginning of March, is a South Asian inspired Young Adult fantasy about Khadija and Jacob, from two opposing races. As the book unfolds, the characters must put their differences aside to tackle a greater threat, and in doing so learn the importance of friendship and forgiveness. The Balloon Thief,  Chicken House Ltd 2022 If you could be transp

 NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS  James Shaw and  Anthony Barlow from Tiny Tree  Where are you based, and how would you sum up the place in three words?  Tiny Tree Children’s Books is based in Marple, near Stockport, in Greater Manchester. It’s hard to sum up in three words, but “countryside literary history” might just do the trick — Agatha Christie’s famous detective was named after our little town! What is special to you about working with children's books, and what is your favourite part of the process? Working in children’s publishing is special in itself, especially for a little publisher like us — there’s only two of us full time! For me (Anthony) I really enjoy getting to work directly with an author, understanding their process and how they want people to experience their book. For James, who handles 99% of our design and typesetting work, it’s an incredible creative outlet as well. Tell us about the most recent books you've worked on We’re just about to publish Clara Claus Saves