When I was first starting out in writing, Irene Staunton of Weaver Press said to me that there were two ways of becoming a good writer. The first was to read, read and read. The second was to join a critique group. I was always an avid reader so the first wasn’t a problem. And then I was lucky enough to join a critique group run by Lisa Maria B. Noudehou (https://www.lisamariaburgess.com/).

I learned so much from Lisa Maria and the people in the group. So much so that one of the stories I worked on, Seven, went on to be short-listed for the Golden Baobab Prize. I believe in paying it forward so a few years later I decided to form a critique group and hold writing workshops. It was at one of these that my friend and fellow writer, Blessing Musariri, brought a gem. It was a story about a little boy who was struggling to cope with the departure of his dad. I loved it and recommended she work on it some more. 

Fast forward about two years. Through a random introduction, Blessing gets to submit the story to a publisher. That story became Two People Can (Kumusha Books, an Imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books). It was published in 2024 

I love this story because it is one of love and getting through difficult times. The main character, Shingai, just wants his dad back. But he’s nowhere to be found. He goes through a range of emotions and acts out because of sheer frustration at not having him around. But through something unexpected he comes to a beautiful place of peace.

This lyrical picture book has beautiful illustrations and explores complex emotions with a sense of hope. It won The Best Picture Book Prize at the Inclusive Books for Children Awards in 2025. The prize is rightly deserved. Find out more about Blessing’s books at Goodreads