Writing From The Heart

On the eve of our book baby’s publication, I thought I’d share the story of how my words found their way onto the page for ‘The Day You Were Born’. Writing picture books, for me, is such a magical process of melding experiences, observations and imaginings to conjure a narrative text that will invite connection for both children and adults. I am so proud of this book and so very happy that my words had the good fortune to fall into the hands of Tash Besliev at Affirm Press and our award winning illustrator and co-creator, Hilary Jean Tapper.

The idea for ‘The Day You Were Born’ came to me one afternoon in Melbourne, in late 2021, at the very end of the world’s longest lockdown, when I was feeling particularly drained. I vividly recall my mood lifting by seeing a photograph of a newborn baby, and marveling at the light and hope that it radiated; and how much better the world felt, for having it in it. 

At this time, I was also feeling extremely nostalgic about my own two children (the lights of my life in the photo), who were now young adults and flexing their wings in readiness to fly the family nest. I fondly reminisced about how their personalities had not changed one single bit, since they were babies and young children – and how different and magnificent they both were.

I concluded that this precious gift of individuality and diversity is what every single child brings to our world – from the day they are born! And that then led me to think about ‘Monday’s Child’ – a traditional mid-nineteenth century nursery rhyme I’ve always adored, and yet wondered if it was time for a modern update.

I wrote ‘The Day You Were Born’ as a love letter to children. Acknowledging and celebrating their unique gifts, and so very thankful for how they light up our world and ALL of our days. I loved collaborating with Hilary on this book, and delighted in seeing how her tender, warm and stunning visual narrative took my words to heights I could not have imagined. The page turns literally unfurl like a movie. This project was also strongly shaped by the vision and support of our wonderful publisher, Tash Besliev and the brilliance of book designer Sasha Beekman.

It is my hope that ‘The Day You Were Born’ will encourage self-reflection and facilitate many positive discussions amongst children, as well as between children and the adults in their lives, about what makes us all so different and yet so special. Offering a beautiful, hope-filled keepsake to be cherished for years to come.