Mariesa Dulak

Mariesa is an award-winning, Yorkshire-born children’s author of dual heritage (Barbadian/English).

A self-confessed ‘book nerd’, Mariesa completed a degree in English Literature, an MA in Children’s Literature and then worked in bookselling, publishing, and children’s libraries before finally putting pen to paper herself.

Mariesa is passionate about encouraging an early love of reading and the importance of a diverse bookshelf for all children. She writes picture books and young fiction about identity and family life and can usually be found in a cafe – writing, observing, and drinking too much coffee.

Mariesa’s first text There’s a Tiger on the Train won the FAB Prize and was published by Faber in February 2024. It was chosen as a 'one to watch' by The Sunday Times and described as 'Pointedly satirical and highly enjoyable.' by The New Statesman and 'Timeless' by The Scotsman. It was awarded the Best Picture Book of the Year 2025 by The Week Junior Magazine.

Her second book The Silver Shadow published in hardback with Walker Books in 2025 and has been nominated for the Carnegie Award.

You can say hello to Mariesa on Instagram @mariesadulak where she shares recommendations about children’s books. And find out more about Mariesa via mariesadulak dot com.

Mariesa lives in London with her husband, two children and an extremely shy and fluffy cat called Cookie.