Konnie Huq introduces her children's book

Konnie Huq with 12-year-old Isabelle Everest

TV presenter and children’s author and illustrator, Konnie Huq, visited Evelina London to talk about her new book and meet some of our patients.

Konnie Huq came to Evelina London to read an extract of her first book, 'Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World'. She also taught the basics of storytelling with a comic strip workshop and got minds racing with a science quiz.

The book is the first in a series centred around nine-year-old, science obsessed lead character Cookie. Konnie was passionate about science at a young age and wants to encourage more girls to be scientists.

Konnie said: “As a children’s TV presenter for over a decade and now a mother of two young children, writing these books is very close to my heart. It’s so important to get kids enthused at a young age not only with reading but also a good sense of humour and even a touch of the anarchic. The Cookie books do all this, while telling a real, relatable story about growing up, friendship and staying true to yourself. Plus, I’ve thrown in a bit of STEM learning – geeky habits die hard…”

Dr Hannah Bellsham-Revell, consultant in paediatric cardiology, said: “It was really lovely that Konnie joined us at Evelina London to run an interactive workshop with some of our patients.

“Throughout our 150 years we have nurtured the potential of our patients with inspiring and educational activities, so it’s great that Konnie got to meet some of our budding scientists.”

While visiting the hospital, Konnie met 12-year-old Isabelle Everest, who was born with cerebral palsy. Isabelle is not only a European judo champion, but also a science fanatic who wants to become a doctor when she’s older, after being inspired by the care she has received throughout her life.

Isabelle said: “To meet Konnie, an actual author, was really great. I particularly liked learning what ingredients you need to write a comic strip.

I want to give something back for everything the Evelina has done to look after me. I want to be a paediatrician so I can look after children and young adults, I want to support them through difficult times especially with the things I have been through. I don’t want any child to give up on their dreams.”

Konnie also met 11-year-old Munkh Batsaikhan. Munkh was born with a rare condition called Diamond Blackfan Anaemia and like Isabelle, would also like to work in medicine when he is older. Munkh has written a blog about his care at Evelina London.

Munkh said: “It’s because of Evelina London that I dream of being a doctor. I adore the hospital and most likely would love to work here. Evelina London is always a nice place to be.”

Konnie has been a permanent fixture on our screens since she was 16-years-old. She is best known for being the longest serving member of the Blue Peter team and, as well as presenting credits on many major television networks, has also co-written an episode of the acclaimed series Black Mirror.

Did you know that we’re celebrating 150 years of Evelina London?

Since 1869, we've been saving lives, improving health and inspiring better futures. 150 years ago, Evelina London was born out of love, when Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild founded the hospital in memory of his wife, Evelina.

Find out more about how we are marking our special birthday at Evelina London.