Emilya Costouva author page

Emilya Costouva biography

Emilya Costouva is a children’s author who writes under the pen name Emka Bemka. Her picture book, Spikey the Hedgehog: The Magic of Learning, was published in 2026 and is aimed at children aged four to eight.

The book follows Spikey, a young hedgehog beginning school in an enchanted woodland. As he meets new friends, develops skills and encounters difficulties with learning, the story explores perseverance, kindness, friendship and self-confidence. Costouva began writing the story during the COVID-19 lockdowns, drawing on experiences of supporting children’s learning and confidence.

Costouva has also published Spikey’s Woodland Reward, Learning and Kindness Pack, a companion educational activity book featuring puzzles, colouring activities and rewards. Both publications form part of her Spikey’s Woodland project, which she plans to expand with further stories and educational resources.

In October 2026, Costouva discussed the creation of Spikey the Hedgehog: The Magic of Learning in interviews with Milton Keynes news publications. She also confirmed that she had begun writing a second Spikey adventure, featuring the hedgehog’s search for a companion named Benji.