An Aberdeen author has snapped up a prestigious poetry award.
The Caterpillar Story Prize, run by The Caterpillar magazine, has been awarded to Louise Greig for ‘Beatrice – A Work of Art’, a story about a mule with self-esteem issues.
Mrs Greig, who lives in Aberdeen, kick-started her career as an author in 2015 after she won the inaugural Caterpillar Poetry Prize.
The accolade led directly to the publication of her first children’s picture book, The Night Box, which was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal and shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize.
Rebecca O’Connor, editor of The Caterpillar, said: “Louise’s writing really cuts to the heart of things – it’s soulful, lyrical and witty in equal measure.
“We had no doubt when we read “Beatrice – A Work of Art” that this was our winning story.
“It’s a tale that will touch children and adults in equal measure and really make us think about our sense of ourselves in the world and how important friendship is to us.”
The judges also commended stories by Helen Parr, Sheila Wilson and Karl O’Neill.
Mrs Greig said: “I am enormously humbled to have won this beautiful prize.
“I hope that all children find solace in stories and discover The Caterpillar as a place of wonder.”
Her winning story will appear in the winter issue of The Caterpillar, available to purchase in bookshops or via The Caterpillar website.
