Nadine Kaadan (born 1985) is a Syrian children's book illustrator and writer living in London.

She has published 15 books,[1] including stories celebrating the Arab world.

Her mission is to champion empowered and inclusive representation in children’s books so that every child can see themselves in a story.

She is a member of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY).[2] Her illustrations have been exhibited at the BIB exhibition (Biennale of illustration Bratislava 2011).[3]

In 2021, Nadine was commissioned by The Story Museum to be the writer of Amal Meets Alice, a procession event in Oxford [4]

Early life and education edit

Nadine was born in Paris, France.[5]

She graduated in the Faculty of Fine Arts of Damascus[6] and acquired two Masters, one in Illustration at Kingston University, and another in Art and Politics at Goldsmith College, University of London.

Awards edit

  • Kaadan was on the list of the BBC's 100 Women announced on 23 November 2020.[7]
  • "Leila Answer Me" (2011) Winner Anna Lindh Award (the Best Fiction Book for children with special needs),[8]
  • "Tomorrow" (2019) nominee Kate Greenaway Medal
  • "Tomorrow" (2019) nominee The Little Rebels Children's Book Awards


References edit

  1. ^ ilsole24ore.com
  2. ^ ibby.org
  3. ^ jacketflap.com
  4. ^ https://www.storymuseum.org.uk/amal
  5. ^ https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/arab-showcase/2022/08/11/through-the-looking-glass-of-syrian-author-and-illustrator-nadine-kaadan/
  6. ^ arabchildrensliterature.com
  7. ^ "BBC 100 Women 2020: Who is on the list this year?". BBC News. 23 November 2020. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  8. ^ corriere.it; saidfoundation.org