Children’s books · TV · Radio · School visits
I write about children having adventures, falling out with their families and battling with the silliness and unpredictability of life. I like to mix up the humorous with serious moments too.
Warning: wolves, witches & wild little sisters inside
The bookshelf
Wolves with magical powers, witches going professional, the naughtiest little sister ever — every shelf holds a new adventure.
Featured stories
Lucie has always longed for a dog. But not one this big. Or with such sharp teeth. Or with such a hungry look in its eyes… Lucie realises that her new pet is not a dog, but a wolf. Not only that, but a wolf with magical powers.
Winner of the Fantastic Book Awards 2014
“A real cracker of a book, perfect for those newly confident to read on their own.”Armadillo MagazineExplore the book
Jessica Haggerthwaite · Book 1
Jessica and her brother Midge have always been able to keep their mother’s peculiar hobby a secret, but all that changes when Mrs Haggerthwaite announces that she’s turning professional.
Shortlisted for the Branford-Boase Award
“A thoughtful and entertaining story.”The GuardianExplore the book
Three titles: Wild Thing · Wild Thing Gets a Dog · Wild Thing Goes Camping
In this funny, real-life series for 7+, older sister Kate tells the story of life with Wild Thing — a tree-swinging, worm-digging, mud-slinging menace — as they go to school, get a dog and, in their most recent escapade, go wild in the woods.
“Hilarious and heartwarming.”The ScotsmanExplore the book
Two titles: Chloe’s Secret Princess Club · Chloe’s Secret Fairy Godmother Club
Chloe loves fairytales…but it’s not so easy to try and be a princess or a fairy godmother in the real-life world of home and school. But that isn’t going to stop Chloe, and so she and friends Aisha and Eliza start a secret club.
Explore the book
…somewhere between Edinburgh and Leeds, via a pair of prize-winning shoes.
The story so far…
Emma was born and raised in Edinburgh, was a bookworm as a child, and chose to study history at university. Her first writing success was a student short-story competition — the prize was a pair of shoes, which she later wore for school visits.
What the papers say
“Roald Dahl meets Jacqueline Wilson.”
“A thoughtful and entertaining story about human gullibility and pigheadedness, the fact that magic and science each contain a little of the other, and the way two people can be right and wrong at the same time.”
“Emma Barnes creates a wonderful cast of characters in an eminently readable, fast-paced and funny story.”
Schools · Libraries · Festivals
As a children’s writer, Emma gives workshops, talks and assembly sessions in schools, libraries and literary festivals — sharing the pleasure of creativity and reading, from Edinburgh International Book Festival to World Book Day assemblies.
“Emma knows how to keep a tentful of primary school kids engaged and entertained. Organising an event with Emma is easy. She is a delight to work with.”Carolyn Yates, Literature Development Officer, Dumfries and Galloway
From the desk
I was really delighted to be asked to write sketches for the new Cbeebies science show, Kit and Pup . Writing extremely short, funny sketches in a scientifically accurate way that is accessible and fun to presc…
Read moreHere’s a book trailer for my book, Dirk of Swampy Hollow, made by those clever folks at OUP and featuring Tickles the Wolf and her canine friends.
Read more
I’m booking up fast but I still have some days available for school visits close to World Book Day on 2nd March 2018. I’m especially keen to hear from schools in Leeds/West Yorkshire.
Read moreWhether you’re a young reader, a teacher, a librarian or a festival organiser — there’s a story (and a visit) with your name on it.