Books That Help Kids Navigate Tough Life Stuff
Award-winning author and illustrator. I write and illustrate specialist books for children — with interactive activity companions that encourage movement, collaboration, and exploration.
I’ve been obsessed with books since I read Watership Down before primary school (which probably explains the rabbit obsession). I studied illustrations obsessively. Dreamed of seeing my work on shelves alongside my heroes — Jon Klassen, Oliver Jeffers, Rachel Ignotofsky, Sandra Dieckmann.
Then I realised: I didn’t need to illustrate other people’s books. I needed to write and illustrate my own.
Because the books I wanted to create didn’t exist yet — the ones that help kids navigate grief, anxiety, big emotions, and life’s tough stuff through the quiet wisdom of nature. And the activity companions that turn those books into full learning experiences.
Photo of an insomniac angel (me!) now sleeping peacefully amongst the tiny shreds of my sister’s fave book, posted out through my cot bars in the night
The Philosophy
I write the books I wish existed when I was a kid (and when I work with kids now).
The ones that don't shy away from difficult topics. The ones that honour big emotions. The ones that show that being different, anxious, grieving, or struggling doesn't make you broken — it makes you human.
And I do it through nature, because:
🌿 Nature doesn't judge
🌿 Nature teaches resilience quietly
🌿 Nature stories help us process our own stories
🌿 A toadstool that feels "wrong" can help a child understand why they feel "wrong"
Books that help kids (and adults) navigate what life throws at them.
That's what I'm creating.
Published & Out in the World
Falling Off The Ladder
🏆 Highly Commended, Business Book Awards 2022 (Wellness & Wellbeing)
🏆 Bronze, Global Book Awards 2022
🏆 Finalist, Book Excellence Awards 2022
While this is a book for adults leaving the workplace to build creative lives, it’s the foundation of everything I do. It’s about courage, authenticity, and refusing to do life the traditional way.
Published October 2021.
Ellie the Crocodile Goes to Gymnastics
Written by Emily Bardwell
When a rainy day derails Ellie's park plans, she discovers gymnastics — and discovers herself in the process.
This story celebrates being brave, trying new things, and facing your fears. It's about discovering that courage isn't the absence of fear — it's doing things even when you're scared.
Perfect for children who need permission to try something new, even when it feels impossible.
Published September 2024.
Ellie the Crocodile and the Green, Sparkly Glasses
Written by Emily Bardwell
When Ellie's football performance starts to slip, she wonders if she's losing her skills. But a trip to the optician reveals the real story: it's not her abilities — it's her eyesight.
This heartwarming story supports young children who need glasses while inspiring ALL readers to embrace their uniqueness and believe in themselves. It normalises needing help, celebrates adaptation, and shows that sometimes the things we think are wrong with us are just part of who we are.
Published December 2025.
THIS IS JEFF: My Slime Ball Anxiety Monster
Written by Gracie Barry (age 9)
A deeply personal and powerful children's book written BY a child WITH anxiety FOR other children with anxiety.
Gracie introduces us to Jeff — her purple slimeball anxiety monster — and shows us what she does when he upsets her. By giving anxiety a character, a name, and a face, Gracie helps other children understand that they're not alone in their struggle.
The Day the Crab Got Crabby
Written by Sally Giblin
A coral reef under threat. A crab getting VERY crabby. A rapping anemone with unexpected talents.
Crab loves her beautiful, colourful reef — but plastic is tumbling down on it. And only her best friend Anemone seems to care.
This is environmental storytelling for children that doesn't lecture or overwhelm. It's about friendship, taking action, and believing that even small creatures can make a difference. The rapping anemone brings humour and joy to a serious topic — because kids navigate tough stuff better when it's served with a side of fun.
Published June 2024.
