Phyllida Shrimpton

Phyllida Shrimpton is a British author of young adult fiction, particularly noted for her novels Sunflowers in February (2018), Every Shade of Happy (2022), and Storyteller By The Sea (2023).

Shrimpton pursued a postgraduate degree in Human Resource Management before following her passion for writing and storytelling.

Her novel Sunflowers in February won the Red Book Award for YA Fiction in 2019.

In Every Shade of Happy, Shrimpton delves into the intricate dynamics of intergenerational relationships through the characters of Algernon, a grandfather, and his fifteen-year-old granddaughter, Anna.

The novel underscores the potential for mutual enrichment and understanding between the elderly and the young despite initial misjudgments and societal stereotypes. Based on her father's transition from a strict parent to a more relaxed and engaging grandfather, Shrimpton portrays how both age groups seek recognition and connection.

Storyteller By The Sea, set against the backdrop of the seaside town of Exmouth, tackles themes of regeneration, accessibility, and the preservation of memories. The protagonist, Melody, navigates the changing landscape of her childhood haunt, reflecting on the modern benefits of the town's development while cherishing its past.

Shrimpton's personal experiences, including a temporary period in a wheelchair following an accident, inform her empathetic portrayal of characters with disabilities and the significance of accessible environments.

Phyllida Shrimpton now resides on the Essex Coast with her family.

Photo credit: FB @shrimpyshrimpy