As we approach October and the official start of ‘Spooky Season’, it feels like the perfect time to introduce my middle grade book, Unfamiliar.
After months of working in the picture book format, it’s been a joy to return to this project. Writing for a middle grade audience feels like a natural fit, and I’m beginning to wonder whether it might be one of my strengths.
Unfamiliar explores magic, witches and animal familiars in an unconventional and cosy way. Through five short stories following its main characters’ adventures, it explores themes of neurodivergence, disability and belonging.
With its nostalgic feel, I hope this book will offer children an authentic, positive representation of neurodivergence, while also resonating with parents and siblings. It’s a story for anyone who grew up (or is still growing up) feeling different, and explores how those differences can also be sources of strength.
As both an occupational therapist and someone with lived experience, this project is especially dear to my heart. I’m looking forward to sharing more of its world with you as it develops.
I’ve now written and edited drafts of the first two chapters and hope to finalise the third story soon. In the meantime, I’ve included a picture of the ‘old toad’ as a little teaser of the planned illustration style. This character is the familiar of our main character’s mother, and you’ll meet this toad in the first story.
Of course, I’m trying not to give too much away. Spoilers, you know!
That’s all for now, folks!
Artistic
The ‘Little Things’ Art Prize — An Update
Sometimes, one of the most valuable lessons we learn as artists is resilience, and the ‘Little Things’ Art Prize has been a lovely reminder of that.
Although my painting didn’t make the finals, taking part was a valuable opportunity to hone my painting skills and explore new ways to capture my subjects through light, colour and composition.
It’s also been a delight to see how other artists have interpreted the design briefs, bringing their own perspectives to life across so many different mediums.
I’ll see you next year, ‘Little Things’!
My painting is still available to view on my website. If you’re interested in purchasing it, please get in touch.
Little Visitor
Oil on canvas
20 × 20 cm
Literary
Picture Book in a Day Workshop Opportunity
This month, I had the pleasure of attending the Children’s Book Academy’s ‘Picture Book in a Day’ workshop. The event was organised by my fabulous writing mentor, Dr Mira Reisberg, and co-hosted by the talented Kaitlyn Sanchez and Frances Gilbert.
It was an inspiring morning of critiques and presentations, offering valuable insights to help me grow as an emerging writer. The workshop also included a submission opportunity—a hopeful next step for my picture book, The Keeper of Little Things.
The Keeper of Little Things is a ‘quiet’ story. That quietness is part of what makes it special to me, but I am also aware it may make finding a publisher more challenging. Its narrative choices draw on Shinto traditions, exploring the relationship between kami and the humans who tend their shrines and sustain their strength.
As a child, I gravitated towards books that made me feel something—stories that celebrated the quieter, yet important, parts of everyday life. That feeling is at the heart of the book I hope to share.
My sincere hope is that one day, a child will pick up The Keeper of Little Things and discover that same love for the small and quiet wonders of the world. I can’t wait to take you along on that journey as I navigate the crazy twists and turns of the publishing world!
Artistic
The Little Things Art Prize
By a stroke of luck—or perhaps a cheeky wink from the universe—I discovered the Little Things Art Prize while researching and completing the picture-book dummy for The Keeper of Little Things.
With a local art prize whose name and theme mirrored my upcoming picture book so perfectly, entering felt like far too fitting an opportunity to miss!
So, I am delighted to introduce my latest oil painting:
Little Visitor
Oil on canvas
20 × 20 cm
To cherish the smallest animals is to open a window in your heart and discover the quiet joy of letting love in.
I hope you enjoy Little Visitor. I look forward to sharing more updates as the competition progresses!
Literary
The Keeper of Little Things: A Project Update
After months of refining the manuscript and completing several rounds of illustration revisions, The Keeper of Little Things is nearly ready for its next chapter! Soon, I will begin the exciting journey of approaching literary agents and publishers.
This will be my debut picture book as both an author and illustrator. The story was deeply inspired by the time I spent living in Japan during my early childhood. My parents worked in musical theatre, and their careers gave our family the opportunity to travel to many exciting places. I remember Japan with great fondness—particularly the wonder of visiting Shinto shrines and learning about the kami associated with them.
Ōtoyo Shrine in Kyoto, known for its guardian mice and other animal figures, became a central inspiration for the story. To honour the traditions and community that inspired the book, I hope to donate a portion of any future earnings from it directly to the shrine.
As the idea developed, I wanted to approach its cultural and religious influences with care. I sought guidance from Dr Kaitlyn Ugoretz, a scholar of Japanese religion and Shinto, while researching the story’s shrine setting and animal symbolism. I also had the pleasure of working with children’s author Moni Ritchie Hadley, whose thoughtful guidance helped me represent Japanese culture authentically and respectfully.
Throughout the writing process, I have also been fortunate to receive mentorship from Dr Mira Reisberg, founder of the Children’s Book Academy. Her guidance has been invaluable in helping me develop my work and navigate the world of children’s publishing.
As I near the end of this stage of the journey, I am delighted to begin sharing more about the project. At its heart, The Keeper of Little Things is a gentle exploration of why even the smallest and most overlooked lives deserve love, attention and protection.
I look forward to sharing more updates about this picture book—and more projects still to come.
Personal
Meet the Mischief!
I’m delighted to introduce the inspiration behind so much of my art and writing: my lovely pets, Icy, Myka and Tarmac!
These three silly sisters are fancy rats—the domesticated descendants of brown rats. Although they belong to the same species as many wild city rats, generations of selective breeding have shaped them into affectionate and sociable companions. Each of my girls has a distinct personality, and together they have inspired several characters in my stories.
Icy
Icy Pole is a cheeky burst of energy in furry form. She is constantly testing boundaries by stealing, chewing and climbing just about everything!
Icy has also given back to the wider animal community, raising more than $3,000 through this year’s RSPCA Pet of the Year competition to support hundreds of vulnerable animals.
Myka
Myka is the gentle heart of the group—a sweet contrast to her Red Dead Redemption-inspired namesake. She is a calm, affectionate presence who loves giving kisses and cuddling with her sisters and me.
As a baby, Myka developed an ear infection that left her with a permanent head tilt, giving her an endearingly inquisitive expression. Her disability is simply one part of who she is: a happy, social and empathetic little rat. She is also the primary inspiration for Toyo, the protagonist of The Keeper of Little Things.
Tarmac
Tarmac is the baby of the group—and she definitely knows it! Her favourite activities include cuddling, sleeping in the hood of my jumper and climbing across my keyboard to “help” me write.
I hope you have enjoyed meeting the girls. I’ll leave you with one final, little-known fact: a group of rats is called a mischief—and I can confirm that the name suits them perfectly!
