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How Picture Books Teach More Than Just Words
The powerful role of illustration in early learning When we think of picture books, we often think of storytelling, vocabulary, and language development. And that’s true — but it’s only part of the magic. In truth, picture books do so much more than teach words.They teach feelings.They teach meaning.They help children make sense of the world around them — visually, emotionally, and socially. And at the heart of that?🖌️ Illustration. 🌿 The Role of Illustration in Early Learning Long before children can read, they can see.And they can feel. Illustrations in picture books become a child’s first language of story — one they can interpret before they can decode text.…
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Things I Thought I Was Too Late For… But Wasn’t
🌸 Things I Thought I Was Too Late For …and why I’m doing them anyway. Sometimes the hardest part of starting something new…is believing it’s still possible for you. For a long time, I told myself it was too late. Too late to begin.Too late to change paths.Too late to follow the creative pull that had been quietly waiting in the background. I thought that kind of courage belonged to younger versions of me — the ones with fewer responsibilities, more sleep, and maybe a bit more confidence. But over time, I’ve learned something soft and powerful: 🌿 It’s never too late to begin again. 🕊 The Lie of Being…
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Gentle Ways to Talk About Feelings With Young Kids
Big feelings are part of childhood — but talking about them doesn’t always come easily. As adults, we want to help. But it’s not always clear how to start the conversation, especially when emotions are running high. The good news? Children don’t need perfect words or polished lessons — they need connection, permission, and practice. When we talk about feelings gently and often, we help them build lifelong emotional strength. 🌱 Why It Matters Young children often express emotions through behaviour before they can name what’s going on inside. As Maggie Dent, author and parenting educator, explains: “When kids act out, they’re often acting from an unmet emotional need. Naming…
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What Is a Feelings Book?
🌼 What Is a Feelings Book? And why are they such a beautiful tool for little hearts? In the early years of childhood, emotions can feel enormous — but the words to describe them are still blooming. That’s where feelings books come in. These gentle stories support young children as they begin to: 🌿 Recognise what they’re feeling🌿 Learn names for those feelings🌿 Understand that all emotions — even the big, messy ones — are okay Rather than “fixing” emotions, feelings books offer a safe space to explore them — with warmth, permission, and language that feels just right for little ones. ✨ Why Feelings Books Matter Children are deeply…
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✏️ 5 Things I Didn’t Expect About Self-Publishing a Children’s Book
A peek behind the scenes of creating Hello Petal When I started Hello Petal, I thought I was just writing and illustrating a story. I knew it would take time, love, and a lot of drawing — but I didn’t fully understand that I was also becoming a publisher, a designer, a production coordinator, a marketing assistant, a shipping manager… and more. Self-publishing has been full of surprises — some beautiful, some challenging, and all of them stretching. Here are five of the biggest things I didn’t expect: 1. 📚 You become your own publishing house When you self-publish, you don’t just write the book — you become the entire…
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Why I Wrote Hello Petal
🌼 Why I Wrote Hello Petal And why emotional literacy is at the heart of every page. When I first sat down with the idea for Hello Petal, I didn’t have a publishing plan. I had a bunch of one liner phrases in a note in my phone, some haphazard attempts racked up at digital art on my old iPad, and a gentle longing to capture emotions through story — and a deep sense that our children need spaces to feel, name, and grow through their big feelings, not rush past them. ✿ A story sparked by emotions (and flowers) Like many parents, I was navigating the ups and downs…
