Lauren Ace

Lauren Ace grew up by (and in!) the sea in south Wales, studied Drama at the University of Exeter and now lives between Bristol and London, where she has worked in publishing for over fifteen years. By day she helps bring other creators' books into the world, and in her spare time she can be found jotting down ideas for her own stories.

Lauren was paired with the illustrator Jenny Løvlie for their debut picture book, THE GIRLS, for which they won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize in the younger readers category. Their eagerly anticipated follow up, THE BOYS, received much acclaim on publication, described as 'Gentle, tender and joyful' in the Guardian.

Lauren has been a people-watcher from a young age, and is inspired by those who have touched her life over the years. She believes all books, but especially children's books, should reflect the varied ways people live their lives. Her hope is that as many children and adults as possible can see themselves in her characters. Picture books being for readers of any age is the particular hill she is willing to die on.