Salomey Doku is drawing success in the illustrating world

The debut graphic novel by a self-taught author and illustrator from Leeds has been nominated for a major book award.

- by Jennifer Cartwright

Brielle and Bear: Once Upon a Time by Salomey Doku has been shortlisted in the children's category of the 2025 Indie Book Awards.

Alongside other books shortlisted, the graphic novel will be judged by a panel of independent booksellers before the winners are revealed on June 19 during Independent Book Shop week.

On the nomination, Salomey said: "It was a surprise. It's not something I was expecting.

"Its a really nice feeling to think that people really liked the book enough to nominate it and shortlist it.

"My graphic novel is a passion project that represents so much of my personal hopes and dreams. I greatly enjoyed creating it, and to think that it has the power to touch others in any capacity is deeply moving to me. My hope is that all who pick it up feel the love that went into crafting it, and find some comfort in its pages."

Salomey's interest in writing and art began at an early age. In primary school breaktimes, she'd often choose to stay indoors and create stories rather than play outside. But it wasn't until lockdown in 2020 when she considered turning her interest into a career.