Not every fairytale begins with a castle. Some start in a quiet studio in Leeds, where watercolours and daydreams collide. For Salomey Doku, the path from architectural assistant to graphic novelist wasn’t planned—it unfolded like the pages of one of her own whimsical stories. What began as a creative detour with a paintbrush in 2018 evolved into a storytelling voice that now enchants readers across continents.
Blending vibrant illustration with romantic narrative, Salomey’s debut graphic novel, Brielle and Bear: Once Upon a Time..., offers more than just a love story—it builds an entire world out of curiosity, quiet bravery, and longing. Set in the enchanted halls of Once Upon a Time University, the novel introduces Brielle, a wide-eyed first-year with her head in the clouds, and Bear, a softly spoken rugby player hiding more than just feelings. Rooted in the author’s own university experience, the story pulses with warmth, magic, and the gentle ache of becoming.
Although relatively new to the literary scene, Salomey’s distinctive style—both visual and narrative—has already drawn international attention. Her work has been translated into six languages ahead of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and early reviews have praised the novel as “a warm hug in illustrated form.” Her writing thrives in the space between fantasy and realism, wrapping grounded emotions in storybook charm.
Outside the panels and pages, Salomey brings her worlds to life through children’s illustration as well, with titles like You Can Do Anything, Tyrone! and Tyrone’s Cool Crown, both written by Sir Lenny Henry. Whether crafting fairytales or sketching stories for younger readers, her art beams with inclusivity, joy, and reverence for everyday beauty.
When she’s not working on her next chapter, Salomey can often be found wandering the Yorkshire countryside, attending church, or daydreaming alongside her pet hedgehog, Strawberry. She is represented by Lorna Hemingway at Bell Lomax Moreton.
In every story she tells—be it a pastel-hued love story or an empowering children’s book—Salomey Doku invites readers to believe not only in magic, but in themselves.
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