Thalia S. A.

BIOGRAPHY

Thalia S. A. is a young author and illustrator born in Manchester, England. She loved being read aloud to as a baby and developed a great passion for books—so much so that, at around six months old, she was even found chewing and nibbling the corners of her board books!



Growing up in Warwickshire, Thalia is an avid reader and has won numerous drawing and writing competitions. A dedicated writer, she has received multiple awards. In 2024, she won the Young Muslim Writers Awards in three categories: Screenplay, Playscript, and News Report. Most recently, she was shortlisted for the Warwickshire Young Poet Laureate 2024/25. She is also a member of the Warwickshire Libraries Youth Advisory Board, where young people contribute to shaping the future of libraries and library services for 11–25-year-olds in Warwickshire.


Making the most of being home-educated since the start of the pandemic, she used the lockdown period productively to write her first chapter book, Mermaid Lagoon, which was published when she was just ten. The book is available on Amazon, in libraries across Warwickshire, and at a bookshop in Wembley, London. Mermaid Lagoon was recognised by the Malaysian newspaper New Straits Times and has been placed in the Langkawi Royal Customs Gallery in Malaysia, alongside poetry books by her late grandfather, Jamaludin D., a prolific Malaysian poet.


Thalia S. A. enjoys doing voice overs with her little brother. She has been recording VO’s for explainer videos, product ads, e-learning projects, narration and many more. In 2022, she completed a voice-over project for the Usborne Foundation.


Moreover, Thalia is deeply passionate about poetry and supports causes such as the recent Poetry Night for Palestine open mic organised by The Islamic Human Rights Commission in January 2024. Her poem entitled "Silent Rebirth" is featured in an anthology by Theatre in the Rough.


She also co-founded a Facebook Page called "Muslim Bookworms" with her mum, inviting Muslim bookworms and authors to join and share books suitable for Muslims, particularly for Muslim children. They aim to raise awareness and inform Muslim parents about books that are great for Muslim children, as well as books that need further discussion with parent in Islamic point of view.


In addition, she likes art, cycling, playing squash and baking with her mum. She hates mathematics but is very grateful to have an engineer father who is a maths genius that makes her feel that maths is like magic!


Determined to inspire others through her writing, she believes that happiness is a stack of books. Currently studying at one of the top all-girls’ state schools in the UK, she hopes to further explore the world of art and literature.


You can follow Thalia's creative journey on her social media accounts, which are managed by her parents.


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WATCH: Mermaid Lagoon on The Today Show at Islam Channel
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CREATIVE AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

2025

Warrior Cats short story competition "An Icy Plunge"

- Shortlisted for 13+ category in top ten



2024

The Solstice Nature Prize for Young Writers

- Highly commended for 12-14 category - Poetry (Robin)


Young Muslim Writers Awards

- Shortlisted for Key Stage 3 - Short Story (Miss Mirror)

- Winner for Key Stage 3 - Screenplay (Bittersweet)

- Winner for Key Stage 3 - Playscript (Pretty Much Psychic)

- Winner for Key Stage 3 - News Report (Cycle to School Week - Healthier, Happier Students)


Warwickshire Young Poet Laureate

- Shortlisted - Poetry (1. River's Eyes | 2. A Menu of Tales | 3. Row Your Boat)


Warwickshire Libraries Bookmark Competition

- A winner


MCS - What Ramadhan Means

- Winner 1st place for Reflective Essay - (What Ramadhan Means)


2023

The Muslim News Awards for Excellence

- Shortlisted for Imams Hasan & Husayn Children's Awards for Excellence


Young Muslim Writers Awards

- Winner for Key Stage 3 - Playscript (The Misfit's Guide to Surviving Detention)


Eye Level Literary Award

-  Silver 3rd place for UK ranking - Writing (Hidden Gem)


Wild Words National Eco–poetry Project

- Chosen for anthology - Poetry (Silent Rebirth)


SGGS Interfaith Week

- Winner 1st place - Poetry (My Choice)


SGGS National Poetry Day

- 2nd place for Year 8 category - Poetry (Refuge Is)


2022

Young Muslim Writers Awards

- Winner for Key Stage 2 - Poetry (I'm Still Waiting)

- Winner for Key Stage 2 - Short Story (Unpredictable)


Muslim Kids TV - So You Wanna Be a Doctor Contest

- Winner 1st place


2021

Young Writers Creativity Award

- Chosen for anthology - Short Story (Frost Fairy)

- Chosen for anthology - Poetry (My Cat Silky)


Young Muslim Writers Awards

- Shortlisted for Key Stage 2 - Short Story (Compass Catastrophe)


2019

Young Writers Creativity Award

- Chosen for anthology - Poetry (Happy Gobblefunk Birthday!)

- Chosen for anthology - Poetry (The Naughty Children)


2018

Young Writers Creativity Award

- Chosen for anthology - Poetry (My Mum)

MY BOOK

Mermaid Lagoon

Mermaid Lagoon is a place full of wonder, mystery and secrets. A place where the most magical things can happen. Is it for real… or just a myth?


Called upon by a great power, Lilly and her friends leave their normal lives to embark on a daring adventure to a mysterious but special school in the middle of the ocean, Ocean Academy.


But when they get there… a whole mystery begins to unfold!


Will they discover some clues in order to track down a legendary object? An object that is rumoured to be powerful enough to save the seas… and the world beneath it!


Along with the ancient artefact, can they figure out who is trying to stop them- and why?


Splash in the sea with Lilly and her friends as a sneaky spy tries to ruin their plans for victory.


Like the fictional sea creatures in this magical story, we must use our own powers to save our oceans and all that live within. They need us now- more than ever! Let us be their heroes in protecting them and their future.


#seeyousoonatmermaidlagoon


My first poem anthology (2018)
Second poem anthology (2019)

Book Reviews

ACTIVITIES

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