From Classroom to Storybooks: Why I Started Writing Children's Books

The Beginning

During my time in the classroom, I noticed something consistent. Stories brought children and adults together through connection, wonder and laughter. It didn’t matter whether it was the first book of the day while students were arriving, a story shared during the day while resetting and regulating, or the final book read while waiting for the bell. My students would join me on the mat or just outside under the blossom trees, sometimes with tears or a smile, sometimes with a parent or without, and my observations were so often the same. As the pages turned the tears stopped, the smiles would grow, the parents would go, and together we sat feeling connected and safe.

Life in the Classroom

Teaching showed me that children often connect more deeply with learning when it is wrapped inside a story that sparks curiosity and conversation. Learning through storytelling becomes even more meaningful when educational children’s books and Australian classroom resources are purposeful and readily accessible. Reading for enjoyment is powerful, but I’ve noticed how transformative it can be when stories also support children in developing literacy skills.

Something hit hard when my Year 3 student had difficulty decoding (identifying letter-sound correspondences and blending them together) the word m-oo-n. Suddenly the English Specialisation I attached to my Bachelor of Education seemed more valuable than ever. This was a challenge I was willing to explore. I researched further, I purchased resources, and when I couldn’t find exactly what I needed, I made my own. The hours invested became irrelevant when the child’s mum came to me and said, through tears, “Thank you. I never thought he would be able to read”. Being literate makes life easier.

Over time, I’ve noticed that children rarely remember worksheets or isolated tasks, but they remember good stories. As time passes, their memories remind them how it made them feel, who took the time to read it to them and some of the conversations that followed. That is where meaningful learning often begins, in connection, curiosity and imagination.

Why I Started Writing

There is so much to love about being a teacher and being creative. They are part of who I am and, whilst rewarding, teaching can be a lot. My hair began to fall out, my short-term memory was starting to fail me, the headaches and sleepless nights were frequent. My children’s childhood went into fast forward, and I couldn’t press pause!

I realised I needed to spend less time in the classroom and more time being creative and facilitating positive literacy experiences for children, their teachers and their families. Not long after, my first book ‘The Week Our Teacher Escaped’ entered the room.

What I Hope My Books Offer

My creations are made with confidence, connection and curiosity in mind. I’ve always valued learning experiences that feel safe, engaging and meaningful for children. I hope that my books help children thrive, explore and become life-long, confident readers.

I hope educators use my books to enhance student engagement and support their teaching, particularly literacy, while building strong connections through meaningful conversations. Finally, I hope families come together to read, chat and reflect, while supporting readers at home.

Thank You

Whilst I still can’t press pause on my children’s childhood, making the decision to create my children’s books for classrooms and homes has certainly allowed me to take a front row seat and I am grateful. Accepting that I am a published Australian Children’s Author, and a Writing Excellence Finalist, might take a little while, but in the meantime, you can explore my first book ‘The Week Our Teacher Escaped' just here. 

Thank you for supporting small Australian authors and educators.