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Hephzibah Akinwale | Author and Artist
Imaginative adventure stories and original artwork that celebrate curiosity, courage and creativity in young people.
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Adventure stories for young readers
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Original, empowering artwork
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School & community workshops
As featured in
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BBC News
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BBC Newsround
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BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
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Yahoo News
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Ely Standard
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Forbes Woman Africa
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Black Enterprise
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Leading Ladies Africa
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Featured book
Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away
When ordinary life spins into an extraordinary adventure, one girl is whisked into a hidden world where time is in danger. Will she find the courage, friendship and faith in herself to help the Time Keepers?
Reader age guide: 8 – 13
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An exciting, imaginative adventure
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A brave and relatable young heroine
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Themes of courage, friendship and belonging
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A fresh, uplifting story for ages 8–13
Book trailer
Watch the Whisked Away trailer
Step into the world of the Time Keepers and see where Hephzibah's adventure begins.
From Hephzibah's studio
The No Approval Needed gallery
Every illustration starts as a sketch in Hephzibah's notebook. Here are the finished pieces, with a few words from the artist about each one.
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You Are Unique
I gave her purple eyeshadow and gold hoops because I wanted a girl who looks exactly like herself and loves it.
Hephzibah
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You Are Powerful
Hands on hips, feet planted. This is how I want every girl to stand when someone tells her she can't.
Hephzibah
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You Are Fabulous
She's taking her own picture because she doesn't need anyone else to tell her she looks amazing.
Hephzibah
Original Artwork No Approval Needed
Empowering, joy-filled illustration products that celebrate girls' confidence, creativity and identity.
Our story
Started at 10. No approval needed.
Hephzibah started this workshop at ten years old because she couldn't find characters who looked like her. So she drew them herself. Every design celebrates girls from Black and minority ethnic communities, and every piece is made from sustainable materials.
Hephzibah, founder and illustrator
Speaking & Workshops
Inspiring, creative and engaging sessions for schools, libraries, festivals and community organisations, including author talks, writing workshops and art & illustration sessions.
Latest from the blog
View all blog posts →-
Honoured with the Next Generation Award at the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards
I’m beyond excited to share the news that I’ve been honoured with the Next Generation Award by Forbes...
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Meeting Professor Chris Imafidon: A Truly Inspiring Experience
I had the incredible opportunity to meet Professor Chris Imafidon—often called the 'Patriarch of Britain’s Brainiest Family'—during the...
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Win 'REACH FOR THE STARS' Story Competition
I’m excited to share some amazing news: My 'REACH FOR THE STARS!' story won the 12+ category, and...
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Booboo's pledge
1,860
giant pandas are left in the wild.
Every Booboo piece you buy sends 10% of its profits to help pandas thrive. One tee at a time, we can make the world a panda-tastic place.
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