Whilst teaching in England, Olivia was deeply moved by how stories can influence a child’s imagination and how an active imagination can encourage learning, empathy and creativity in all areas of life. After her children were born Olivia concentrated more on creating her own stories and left teaching to pursue a writing career.
Olivia’s stories are firmly rooted in exploring the natural world and the adventures children face when growing up. Her debut; Be Wild, Little One (2022, Bloomsbury, ill. Daniel Egnéus) received early critical acclaim in The Guardian, Sunday Times, Irish Times and The Examiner. While author Michael Morpurgo (Warhorse) called it one of his favourite children’s books.
Olivia Hope was born and raised in Killarney, a pretty town in the south west of Ireland famous for its lakes and mountains. She spent her childhood playing in the nearby fields of her uncle’s farm, where she would imagine herself on grand adventures and encourage (never boss!) her younger sisters to take part as reluctant sidekicks or unfortunate servants. She enjoyed art and athletics and attended both the University of Limerick and Brunel University studying PE teaching, English Literature and Sport Science.
As a young athlete, Olivia represented Ireland internationally at major European and World championships in the new event of hammer throwing and even held the Irish record for a time.
Olivia says
‘It was never a surprise that I wanted to be a teacher - I worked with children since my teens and the creativity from daydreaming spilled into my lessons very easily. But it wasn’t until I had my own children that I realised I wanted to create my own stories for them.
I explore my daydreams every time I write, and reading books allows children to do the same. Storytelling is daydreaming in action, it has helped me imagine, empathise, problem solve, visualise and of course, be creative.
I hope when you read one of my books that you can join me daydreaming too.’