About Us…

Nestled in the rolling hills just outside Bath, Barnaby Books uk was founded in 2024 by a team of former teachers, illustrators, and self-confessed story addicts who believed children's books deserved more magic, more heart, and a lot more fun.

Our brilliant small team isn't afraid to be silly, brave, or wonderfully weird. Every story we write receives the care it deserves, and we polish our tales until they shine, while always keeping that spark of imagination that made us fall in love with the manuscript in the first place.

From laugh-out-loud picture books about mischievous animals to page-turning adventures featuring fearless young heroes, our catalogue celebrates stories that entertain, inspire, and stay with young readers long after the final page. We believe childhood is powered by imagination, and we're here to fuel it.

Based in Somerset's beautiful literary heartland (yes, we often take inspiration walks through Bath's bookshops), Barnaby Books focuses on creating books that end up tattered, cherished, and handed down to younger siblings. Because the best children's books aren't just read—they're lived in.

Michael Anthony - Author

Mr. Anthony never quite grew up—and we're all grateful for it. A former primary school teacher turned full-time storyteller, Michael spent fifteen years in classrooms where he perfected the art of making kids laugh, think, and occasionally sit still long enough to hear what happened next.

Now in his forties, Michael lives in a slightly chaotic cottage in Bath with his wife and two children (who are his toughest critics and biggest fans). When he's not scribbling away in his garden office, you'll find him attempting DIY projects that rarely go to plan, experimenting with sourdough, or getting thoroughly lost on countryside walks.

Michael believes the best children's stories are the ones that make kids giggle and adults smile knowingly. His books are packed with the kind of adventure, warmth, and gentle chaos that comes from really understanding what makes young readers tick—probably because he's never stopped being one himself.

His debut series has already captured the hearts of young readers who love characters that feel like friends, plots that keep them guessing, and stories that remind them just how brilliant it is to be a kid.

Sandy Morrison

Sandy brings stories to life with the perfect blend of sharp editorial eye and genuine enthusiasm that makes authors actually enjoy the editing process—no small feat.

Originally from Ipswich, Sandy caught the book bug early, spending childhood afternoons in the local library and evenings working in a beloved independent bookshop that sadly no longer exists (though she still mourns its loss). After studying English Literature at university, she spent over a decade honing her craft at various London publishing houses before deciding city life wasn't for her.

These days, Sandy works from her light-filled home office near Bath, surrounded by towering stacks of manuscripts, sticky notes in every colour imaginable, and an impressive collection of red pens. Her son has learned not to interrupt when she's deep in a particularly tricky chapter, and her partner has mastered the art of tea delivery at critical moments.

Sandy has an uncanny ability to see what a story wants to be. She's known for her encouraging margin notes, her knack for asking precisely the right questions, and her firm belief that every children's book should pass the "would I have stayed up past bedtime reading this?" test.

When she's not polishing our books, Sandy can be found wild swimming in local rivers, attempting pottery, or hosting epic Sunday roasts that somehow always involve literary debates.

Samantha Whittle - Production Manager

Sam keeps the wheels turning at Barnaby Books, though she'd be the first to tell you those wheels would turn much more smoothly if people actually read her emails and stopped changing their minds about fonts at the last possible minute.

With over twenty years in book production, Sam has seen it all—and she's got the weary sighs to prove it. She's the person who transforms beautiful manuscripts and artwork into actual, physical books you can hold, which sounds straightforward.

Sam runs a tight ship from her meticulously organised office (label maker: her most prized possession), armed with spreadsheets, production schedules, and an expression that can silence a room. She communicates primarily in deadlines, long-suffering looks, and the occasional grunt of approval when something actually goes to plan.

But here's the thing nobody admits: we'd be lost without her. Beneath the grumbling exterior beats the heart of someone who genuinely cares that every book is printed beautifully, appropriately bound, and delivered on time. She just wishes everyone else cared about pagination as much as she does.

When she's not chasing suppliers, Sam enjoys quiet pints at her local, tending her garden, and watching cricket—where at least the rules make sense and people respect boundaries.