Natascha Biebow, Regional Advisor (Chair) of the SCBWI British Isles region, has been awarded as an honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). The honor is conferred by Her Majesty the Queen in recognition for Biebow’s services to children’s writers and illustrators. The award will be formally announced on the Queen’s birthday honors list later this year.
“Under her leadership since 1998, Biebow’s unfailing commitment and dedication has built the SCBWI British Isles region into the go-to professional organization for children’s book writers and illustrators looking to benefit from its inclusive professional and supportive community,” said Kathy Evans, Finance Coordinator and Co-Chair since 2016.
SCBWI President Stephen Mooser and Executive Director Lin Oliver in extending their congratulations added that, “Natascha’s tireless work on behalf of authors, illustrators, literacy, and children have made a difference in countless lives. We are so very pleased that the Queen has recognized her contributions to the world of children’s literature, and the SCBWI is honored to be associated with this award.”
Upon receiving the award, Biebow said, “This is a huge and unexpected honour! When I took on the role in 1998, SCBWI-BI had just 30 members, but we dreamed big. We are all volunteers, but by together envisioning and creating innovative programs and initiatives that meet the needs of writers and illustrators at all levels, we have built SCBWI British Isles into what is now the largest international region of SCBWI.
“We can all learn from one another, no matter where we are on our writing and illustrating journey,” Biebow said. “We can write, we can draw, we can tell stories with characters that inspire and showcase our best attributes as diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking people. This is the ethos that has influenced all of our programming. We are extremely proud of what we offer SCBWI members. In 2016, we celebrated our 20th year, and we look forward to a vibrant future.”
About Natascha Biebow
Natascha Biebow has served as the Regional Advisor (Chair) of the British Isles Region of the SCBWI since 1998. She is the author of The Crayon Man (HMH, 2019), Elephants Never Forget, and Is This My Nose?, winner of the Booktrust Best Book for Babies. She has over 25 years’ editorial experience, commissioning for publishers such as Penguin Random House, Thames & Hudson, and Five Quills, and in 2010, founded Blue Elephant Storyshaping, a coaching and mentoring service that empowers children’s authors and illustrators to fine-tune their work pre-submission. Her favorite job is helping writers and illustrators to shape their stories and collaborating with people who are passionate about children’s books.