Books That Help Kids (& Grown -Ups) Navigate Tough Life Stuff
I write and illustrate specialist books that throw creative mischief back at what life throws at kids - and their grown-ups.
I've always approached difficult stuff differently.
Grief? Humour + a good crafty project.
Chronic health diagnosis? Sign up for a ridiculous 100 KM charity bike ride.
Bullying? Be MORE ridiculous.
I've never been the type to do "serious" solemnly. Life's too short, and people — especially kids — deserve to see that you can experience hard things AND joy, AND mischief, at the same time. You don’t have to sit in the doom and gloom.
That's what I create books about.
I've been obsessed with books since I read Watership Down before primary school. (This explains the rabbit obsession.) I studied illustrations obsessively, dreaming of seeing my work on shelves alongside my heroes — Jon Klassen, Chris Haughton, Oliver Jeffers, Kay Umansky, Ben Mantle, Sandra Dieckmann. The list goes on.
But then I realised: I didn't need to illustrate other people's books. I needed to write and illustrate my own — the ones that didn't exist yet.
The ones that help kids navigate big life events & emotions, through the quiet wisdom of nature but with a plot twist: added humour, joy, and safe spaces where it's okay to feel messy.
Because if there's one thing I know from approaching my own grief, my own chronic health stuff, my own experiences with bullying — it's that mischief, humour, and creativity aren't frivolous when facing hard things. They're essential.
They're how we survive. They're how we thrive.
Not serious. Not preachy. Not heavy. Just honest, joyful, creative stories that say: You can feel all the feelings AND still be okay. You can be scared AND brave. You can be sad AND silly.
Interactive activity books, games & companions
I also create interactive activity companions that turn books into full learning experiences — because sitting quietly and doing a worksheet can be boring, and kids deserve better. These resources encourage movement, collaboration, exploration, and genuine connection to the book's themes.
Because making things, moving bodies, and playing together is how kids actually process and understand the world.
Instead, these resources encourage:
🎨 Movement & Play — Activities that get kids off the page and moving
🤝 Collaboration — Things designed for groups, not just solo work
🔍 Exploration — Open-ended making, investigation, discovery
💭 Reflection — Thoughtful activities that help process the book's themes
What they look like:
Interactive games and challenges
Movement-based activities
Group challenges and collaborative making
Exploration prompts tied to the book's themes
Creative response activities
Puzzles
Activities for different learning styles
These resources are designed so educators, parents, and facilitators can extend the book's impact — turning a reading experience into a full learning journey.
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.
Why this matters
Whether written by myself or others, these illustrated books all share my philosophy: books help children navigate big life events, emotions, changes, and challenges through honest, warm storytelling.
Whether it's managing anxiety (Jeff), finding courage (Ellie's gymnastics), celebrating difference (Ellie's glasses), or environmental action (Crab) — these are books that help kids feel seen, understood, and less alone.
All feature my bold, colourful illustration style and love of bringing characters and emotions to life on the page.
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.
Ready to get mischievous?
Workshops can be adapted for all ages. All abilities. All emotions.
You don't need experience. You don't need to be "creative." You just need to be willing to show up and try.
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