Inclusive Books for Children logo

Meet the winners: Blessing Musariri and Maisie Paradise Shearring

Interviewed by Kristel Buckley

Next in our 'Meet the winners' series is Blessing Musariri and Maisie Paradise Shearring, who took the 2025 IBC Awards Picture Book category with their book, Two People Can.

This deeply affecting story, published by the HarperCollins imprint Kumusha Books, centres a young mixed-heritage child and his mum, exploring their turbulent relationship and emotional states following the loss of a close family member.   

Zimbabwean author Blessing Musairi’s child-centred narrative is complemented perfectly by British illustrator Maisie Paradise Shearring’s highly detailed, emotive illustrations, delivering a story that feels believable, relatable and ultimately reassuringly hopeful — it lingers in the mind for a long time!

The topics of change, bereavement, and emotional and physical stress are tackled sensitively and in an age-appropriate way. The story teaches us that even in the darkest moments, when all seems lost, nature can be the healing force that brings light. 

Introducing Blessing Musariri and Maisie Paradise Shearring!

We’re thrilled to share an exclusive video interview where Blessing and Maisie talk about their winning picture book — what it's all about and why it's an important work. They also reflect on what winning the 2025 IBC Awards means to them and give their thoughtful perspectives on how inclusive books benefit young readers.

Click on the video link below to enjoy this exclusive interview.

Why the IBC Awards matter

The IBC book awards celebrate the best diverse and inclusive children’s books published in the UK, and the talent behind these works. 

Now in their second year, the awards focus on books for younger readers across three categories: baby and toddlers aged 1 to 3, picture books for 3- to 7-year-olds and highly illustrated children’s fiction for ages 5 to 9. These book age ranges are not celebrated nearly enough for inclusive children's books, so the IBC Awards play an important role in this respect.

Two People Can is a superb example of an author and illustrator’s skilful handling of difficult subject matter, death and grief, packaging it in a way that children and adults alike can access at various levels.

Find out more about the award-winning Two People Can

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver or educator looking to introduce younger children to new picture books that are great for opening up discussions, or need a picture book specifically to support a child with the loss of a loved one, this award-winner would make a great choice for all children.

  • For more information on Two People Can by Blessing Musariri and Maisie Paradise Shearring, read our IBC book review. 
  • To learn more about the Inclusive Books for Children Awards, do take a look at other articles on our blog.

Don’t forget to check out the video above to hear directly from Blessing and Maisie!

Two People Can by Blessing Musariri and Maisie Paradise Shearing is published by Kumusha Books.

Share on