Sophia Payne
Sophia Payne has fond memories of spending the school holidays reading every book in the house and writing in her journal as if her life depended on it. She hasn’t stopped reading children’s books and still can’t quite believe that she now gets to write them. Sophia is passionate about reading for pleasure and the importance of books, especially as a neurodivergent reader herself.
Her first picture book, Faruq and the Wiri Wiri, was published by Templar and was shortlisted for the Inclusive Books for Children Picture Book Award 2024.
Her second book, The Beautiful Layers of Me, published by Walker, won the Inclusive Books For Children Picture Book Award 2026.
Sophia was born and raised in the UK and is half Guyanese, half British. Her writing often reflects her Indo-Caribbean heritage, which she has finally learned to be proud of.
Sophia lives with her family and best friend, close to one of their favourite theme parks.
