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Portrait of Alkista Halikia, smiling outdoors in front of green leaves.

Alkista Halikia

Author

She/Her

Northern Europe, Southern Europe

Alkisti Halikia studied Philosophy at the University of Athens (NKUA) and got her master’s degree in Gallery Studies from Essex University, UK. She works as a freelance Museum Education Specialist designing and performing educational programs for pupils of 4-12 years old. She has published many children books that almost all have been shortlisted for a National Children Book Award. In 2011 her book At the park with the animals, received the National Children’s non-fiction book award. The book Step into my shoes was included in Ibby’s Honor List 2022. She also writes lyrics for children’s songs and has released two music albums. Her songs have been performed by well-known Greek singers. Alkisti’s books have been included in several elementary school’s curriculums and teachers have developed activities based on them. Alkisti has a great collection of children hugs and smiles that decorate her soul. She never misses an opportunity to play with kids and her best award ever received is the “we want more” phrase.

Q&A

Tell us something interesting about yourself:
I am not sure what a spirit animal is, but my birth flower is a daisy, symbolising innocence and purity.


Current job title:
Freelance Museums Education Specialist


Tell us your favourite medium for reading:
I prefer printed books.


Tell us your favourite location for reading:
I like to read on a sofa or in bed but not late at night.


How would you describe your identity?
A Greek woman author, coming from a small country with a long storytelling tradition.


Book title:
Step Into My Shoes


What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book?
I used to make up stories for my daughter at bedtime. This one grew out of those moments.


Favourite character or moment from the book – and why?
The big hug of resilience between mother and daughter.


What themes or messages does your book raise?
To show empathy is something we need to be taught and reminded of.


How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words?
Immediate, emotional, true.


What aspect of the story did you most connect with, and how did it shape your illustrations?
What I connect with most is the playful way the story treats empathy and understanding.


Materials and techniques used for this book’s illustrations:
Collage with photos.


Favourite illustration – and why?
The last one, which shows two girls of different backgrounds walking together.

Connect

IG: @alkistishalikia

BOOKS BY

Alkista Halikia

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