The Blooming Hearts Collection
A series of books that cultivates young hearts to bloom with gratitude, thrive in abundance, and blossom with mindfulness.
Book 1: Grateful
"Practicing gratitude to honour what’s ordinary about our lives, because that is what’s truly extraordinary." — Brene Brown
Grateful was born in the quiet, sacred hours of a 3 a.m. moment, as I sat beside my sleeping children, overwhelmed by a deep, quiet gratitude for the ordinary beauty of our lives. In the soft glow of night, watching their peaceful faces, I felt a rush of love for the small, yet infinitely precious moments that make life so full. In that stillness, the words came to me, pouring out like a gift—a story I knew I had to share with my children.
What began as a simple bedtime story to teach them the power of gratitude grew into something much more—a book filled with the warmth, memories, and meaning that make our family’s story so unique. The pages reflect the heart of our lives: the lighthouse where my husband and I were married, a playhouse that once appeared under the Christmas tree, and cherished first words like moon, shadow, and balloons that are woven into the fabric of our family’s narrative. Each image in Grateful carries the weight of love, of shared moments, and of all the things we hold dear.
Grateful is more than just a book. It is a heartfelt love letter to the beauty of family, the magic of everyday life, and the quiet moments that define us. With every word, every illustration, I’ve poured my heart and soul into creating something meaningful—a gentle reminder of the power of gratitude, and of the extraordinary that exists in the ordinary.
“Practising gratitude to honour what’s ordinary about our lives, because that is what’s truly extraordinary.” — Brené Brown
For full days and growing minds, Grateful offers a simple way to pause and reconnect — together.
Originally written as a bedtime story for my own children, this book gently introduces gratitude as something to notice within everyday life. Not another task to add, but a small, meaningful ritual — a conversation at bedtime, a moment to reflect, a way to wind down.
It began as a 3am project, written quietly while watching my baby sleep. With little time during the day, each page came together at night — shaped in the in-between hours, alongside the steady rhythm of a sleeping home.
Now ready to be shared, Grateful invites the little humans in your life to recognise the people, places, and moments that make their world feel full.
Created in regional NSW, this first book in the Blooming Hearts series is a thoughtful addition to your daily rhythm — and a simple way to support a local, independent artist.
Product Highlights
Written and illustrated in regional NSW, Australia
First book in the Blooming Hearts series
Designed for bedtime and everyday family rituals
Encourages gratitude through simple, relatable storytelling
Supports a local, independent artist and small business
My very first children’s book, Grateful.
Onto Book 2 and 3
Since Grateful, I’ve been writing and illustrating two more books, each created with the same passion and dedication but aimed at different age groups.
Book 2 is for children aged 5–9 and follows a family as they move through the seasons — noticing small shifts and significant changes, honouring traditions, observing the land, and growing together through familiar rhythms. It’s a story about belonging, attentiveness, and recognising the generosity of the world around us when we truly see it. Book 2 is now available for pre-order, with a planned launch on 23 April — World Book and Copyright Day.
Book 3 is designed for preschoolers, but also as a keepsake that families can treasure for years. Like the other books in the series, it reflects my own experiences and values, with stories and illustrations crafted as much for me as for the children who read them.
Creating each book has been an act of heart and hands. The writing process is a mix of late nights, early mornings, and inspiration strikes in the in-between moments, balanced with the labour of bringing each idea to life. I pour my soul into every illustration, layering colour, texture, and meaning to capture the emotions I hope to spark. These are not just stories — they are an extension of the love I have for my own children and for all children discovering the world around them.
Each book is designed to grow with its readers. Whether noticing the small, everyday moments or reflecting more deeply on their actions and values, these stories aim to inspire gratitude, kindness, and connection — to each other, to family, and to the land.
These books are my gift to you, a labour of love, and I hope they become a treasured part of your home, just as they have in mine.
This story follows a family as they move through the seasons — noticing small shifts and significant changes, honouring traditions, observing the land, and growing together through familiar rhythms.
It is a story about belonging. About paying attention. About recognising that the world around us provides generously when we learn to truly see it.
At its heart, this book explores:
• Family traditions that steady children through change
• Seasonal living and observing the natural world
• The confidence that grows from familiarity and routine
• Gratitude for the land that sustains us
Research consistently shows that shared family rituals and traditions support children’s emotional security, resilience, and sense of identity. When children know “this is what we do,” it strengthens their internal stability — especially during times of growth and transition.
Spending time noticing and engaging with the natural world has also been linked to improved emotional regulation, attention, creativity, and overall wellbeing in children. Even simple acts — observing seasonal changes, gardening, walking outdoors — help develop environmental awareness and a lifelong sense of care for the land.
Reading stories together that reflect these rhythms deepens connection. Studies on shared reading show it strengthens parent–child attachment, language development, empathy, and emotional literacy.
This book is designed to be part of those moments.
To be read slowly.
To be revisited each season.
To become one of your family’s own traditions.
Independently written, illustrated and published through Whistle & Page — from my hands to your heart and home.
Why Order?
Ordering supports independent Australian publishing and allows me to continue creating meaningful, heart-led stories for families and classrooms.
Your early support directly funds small-batch printing, ethical production, and future books in the Blooming Hearts series.
Product Highlights
Second book in the Blooming Hearts series
Written and illustrated in regional NSW, Australia
Explores seasonal living, family traditions, and belonging
Supports children through change with familiar rhythms
Designed for shared reading and everyday family rituals
Pre-order supports local, independent publishing