Born in Jamaica, Valerie Bloom, is one of the most highly regarded poets writing today. Her collections Let Me Touch the Sky, Hot Like Fire, and Whoop and Shout were all Poetry Book Society choices. Her picture book, Fruits, with David Axtell, won a Smarties Bronze Award and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Valerie has presented poetry programmes for BBC Radio and contributed to various other radio and television programmes. She visits schools in many countries to give recitals and poetry workshops. Valerie Bloom has an Honorary Masters Degree from the University of Kent, and was awarded an MBE in the 2008 New Year Honours List. She lives in Kent, England.
