Watch our latest podcast exploring ideas, inspirations and creativity What is the source of ideas and creativity? "Where do your ideas come from?" This is one of the most common questions Darren and I (and no many other creatives) get asked. The motivations tend to vary. Aspiring or practising creatives are always curious to learn and perhaps get inspired through the approach others take, while the audience are usually interested in getting deeper insights into works they lik

Don't just read out loud - Perform! One of the most wonderful things about picture books is that, more often than not, these books are read out loud by adults to their little ones, be it grandkids, kids or students. So, I wanted to share some insights on the creative choices I have made when writing these books that will touch upon a topic that we often forget to discuss: Poetry is meant to be performed. Hopefully it inspires our adult readers to perhaps become a bit more the

Willow the Wonderer Gets Help Riding the Highs and Lows of Life Understanding the Concerns of Parents and Grandparents Last week, I received numerous emails from concerned grandparents and parents. They expressed worry for their little ones' well-being. Some children are struggling with school. Others face challenges fitting in, while some deal with mental health conditions that are tough even for adults. Their main question: Could the stories of Willow the Wonderer help? Suc

Willow the Wonderer picture book series is now available in paperback There is no doubt that when it comes to children's storybooks, hardcovers reign supreme. Our hardcover books are no exception. They are beautifully crafted and built to be treasured for years to come. They make for very special gifts and we find that this is the primary reason folks buy our books.   There are times though, when we just want to grab a book or two, stuff it in a rucksack and be off. Some litt

Late on Tuesday 12th of August, as the digital screens flickered and refreshed, the latest avatar of our online store came into being. A sprinkle of 'internet magic' later, all our book and gift sets appeared with an extra book - the fourth in the Willow the Wonderer series. We had quietly launched The Gift . New customers purchasing the books online were probably oblivious to the fact. Existing customers, some of whom had bought the first book in the series four years ago,

Book Week has arrived! This is a week long celebration of children's books and reading. One of the most cherished events of Book Week tends to be the Children's Book Character Parade. It can also be one that has parents reaching for the panic button, especially if the school note about the event has been languishing at the bottom of the backpack and only handed in the weekend before (true story). Last year, much to our delight, we heard from two parents who had to tackle Wil

Let me state it right at the start - The trope we refuse to repeat in children's storybooks is: Boy meets girl - they fall in love - and they live happily ever after…   Replace the genders as you please ... but you get the gist. This trope is not only common but also persistent and pervasive - in books and across every popular art form like movies, music/songs, etc. Prefer to watch a video of this blog? Click or scroll to end. What's behind its enduring appeal? Let's be hones

Reeta and Darren - Sketching out the first Willow the Wonderer storybook Autumn is the perfect season for reflection Summer has come and gone and autumn is taking hold of our not-so-small island paradise of Australia. The chapter on 2024 is not only underway but has almost reached the half way mark. Yes, it is scarely two months away! The cooler change forces us indoors, creating the space for instrospection and reflection - and that is where my mind has mostly been these pas

We've received over 450 reviews from genuine customers for our Willow the Wonderer children's books series and each time we read them, it fills our heart. We share some beautiful stories that customers have shared with us below. Reading these keeps us going. Willow the Wonderer storybooks have struck a chord with kids and grown-ups alike Since the release of the first book in the series, Willow the Wonderer has consistently garnered perfect five-star rating from readers and