I am an award-winning,

well-reviewed children's book author based in London and Somerset. I am widely and internationally published.

About Me

When I think about my childhood,

my clearest memories are where I was when I discovered my favourite books. The greenhouse for Mog the Forgetful Cat and an attic bedroom for 101 Dalmatians are two places that come to mind. I also remember that I proceeded to read Dodie Smith's extraordinary book on loop throughout the entire summer break.

I am lucky enough to come from a publishing family and our home was full of books, from Orlando the Marmalade Cat to The Chronicles of Narnia and The Phantom Tollbooth, to name but a few of my personal highlights.

I grew up in rural Somerset although I escaped after school to study Russian Literature at UCL, London. I now live back in Somerset and sometimes London. We have two dogs, one of which is very naughty and adorable and the other is just simply adorable.

I am forever in my late parents' debt for giving my siblings and me a childhood full of words and pictures and if I have given this to another child or children, including my own, then that is a happy thing.

Picture Books

My love of children's literature never left me. I aim to bring this joy to writing picture books, celebrating the genre's unique marriage of words and pictures. I identify my own childhood experiences, putting them into stories. My partnership with illustrator Layn Marlow has resulted in more than half a dozen titles, and almost a million copies sold worldwide.

Hardback Picture Books

And as Paperback Picture Books

Narrative Non-Fiction & Gift Books

Middle Grade

I am published by

OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

BLOOMSBURY

QUARTO

KIDS

CURIOSITY INK MEDIA

I have forthcoming books with

BOXER BOOKS/UNION SQUARE KIDS

CURIOSITY INK MEDIA

Reviews that make me happy

TOO SMALL FOR MY BIG BED

A beautifully illustrated . . . and touchingly sweet story about growing up and taking the first steps towards independence. Daily Mail

LITTLE BY LITTLE

Sometimes you pick up a book and you just know you are going to love it - and this is one of those books . . .the text is a delight to read aloud. It's simple and direct but it expresses exactly how Scramble feels. The book is highly recommended. Bookbag

BRAMBLE THE BRAVE

Liquid, lithe and lyrical. Carousel

Who am I really?

Amber Stewart is my pen name. I am Kate Burns. I have enjoyed a long career as an editor and children's books publisher, working for big houses and smaller indies, and I am now a freelance editor and content creator as well as taking on more writing commissions than ever before.

Here are some of the books I am proud to have published.

What else is there?

I love dogs! I have been fortunate enough to have some very special dogs let me share their world. Some gone too soon, but all with the common thread of utter gorgeousness.

Work with Me

Don't just read the books . . . watch the movies!