By EMILY ROBINSON
A local mother of two reveals the dramatic inspiration for her self-published children’s book and advice website
“YOU are brave like a lion” and “strong like an ox” are just two positive messages found in a local mum’s new book for children.
Belmont’s Louise Norton spent a year writing and publishing You Are Amazing for her two-year-old daughter, Ruby.
The book, published in August, was inspired when Ruby was diagnosed with a heart condition and underwent open-heart surgery.
“The journey was extremely difficult,” Louise says.
The registered nurse with two children says her medical knowledge throughout her daughter’s journey was at times confronting.
“Sometimes I knew too much information,” Louise admits.
My husband is a nurse too and he loved knowing and understanding everything that was going on. But I just wanted to be a mum.
“What my daughter went through was massive and I just want her to know how brave, strong and amazing she is.”
The experience led to Louise creating Little Big Wren, which has a website “helping little and big people to be big things”.
“I’ve been blogging about art therapy techniques,” she says.
“The name Little Big Wren came from finding out what a wren signifies.
“The spiritual meaning of a wren is to have determination, strength and confidence – values I want all little people to have.”
You Are Amazing inspires those values, teaching children they are “incredible and unique”.
The touch-and-feel publication features various textures for children to interact with.
“There’s a mirror, fur, vinyl and a sparkly butterfly,” Louise says.
Newtown graphic designer Jen Morrison created the bright artwork.
“Jen was really good. I was really keen to still be involved with the design process and she was really open to all my ideas and suggestions.”
But publishing the book was not as straightforward as the design process, so Louise went down the path of self-publishing.
“I researched all different ways to do it. It was never about making money; it was just about publishing this book and sending the message out to the children.
“I couldn’t find anyone in Australia to do a touch and feel book so I had to go offshore.
“It was an interesting process – I had no idea how to do a book, it was a big learning curve.
“But what I’ve learned from doing all of this is to believe in yourself. It was such a big thing to do and quite a financial thing as well.”
The book has become a hit with local kids and even the elderly.
“Everyone’s really loved it. I’ve had so many beautiful comments,” Louise says.
“A grandmother with dementia was given one and she absolutely loved it too.”
And Ruby’s response?
“She loves it – but she has no idea why we have the same book around everywhere,” Louise laughs.
“Her favourite page is the one with the lion, I think it’s a common favourite, it just feels beautiful.”
A second book is a possibility but for now Louise is focusing her attention elsewhere.
“I’d love to try getting this book into the Royal Children’s Hospital,” Louise says.
You Are Amazing is available for sale at littlebigwren.com.au.
