Writing has always been both my passion and escape so when my first children’s book ‘Sammy the Speedy Snail’ was published with Blue Falcon Publishing it was a dream come true.
When reading bedtime stories to my two sons I was fascinated at how certain books above others could retain their magic and remain firm favourites despite being read repeatedly. So when I set my sights on writing my own book I knew it not only needed to be a fun story with vibrant illustrations but also portray important messages and morals to the reader.
My inspiration was my youngest son Max, who as a talented dancer had been strong enough to follow his passion despite the realisation that other boys his age might not understand or appreciate his choice. So with the focus on finding a character that would choose a direction that nobody would expect of them, the idea for Sammy the Speedy Snail was born.
It’s OK to be different and whoever you are or whatever direction you want to take, always be true to yourself and be proud of being you. These were the morals and values I wanted my story to tell when I first started writing it back in 2019 and they are probably more relevant now in the world today than they have ever been.
So with ideas for a main character, a theme and a plot line, I set about writing what would be the very first draft of ‘Sammy the Speedy Snail.’ For the pictures that would bring my words to life, I was lucky enough to find the very talented illustrator Kate Fallahee. I would send her very crude sketches and descriptions of my own vision for each of the story’s illustrations which she would then adapt and create with her amazing artistic skills.
With the help of the incredible team at Blue Falcon Publishing, the original text was then tweaked to maintain a flowing rhythm before all the elements were brought together to construct a book ready for publication.
I will never forget my excitement on the day the envelope landed on my doormat which I opened to reveal the very first copy of the book I’d always dreamt of writing.
‘Sammy the Speedy Snail’ has given me the privilege of making a number of school visits for readings and question and answer sessions. There is no better feeling than seeing a room full of children engrossed in a story that you have written and created. However confident you may be, you can never be sure how your ideas will translate to someone reading your words for the very first time.
In World Book Week 2023 I decided to offer a free give away to children in the local area who might not all have access to many books. The feedback and reviews were so positive and particularly from a number of parents whose children had autism and other special educational needs. They told me the story had helped them understand that it’s ok to be seen as different, given them confidence and taught them to be proud of who they are.
This was a turning point for me which showed that everything I wanted to try and achieve through the book was possible. It also gave me great confidence that ‘Sammy the Speedy Snail’ could make a similar impact on a much wider scale.
To know you can make the smallest difference in someone’s thinking, confidence or understanding through words is the most wonderful thing and why writing will always be something I love.
“I bought this book for my 4 year old son to add to his ever growing book collection. He was so excited to read this book at bedtime that he even suggested he go to bed early to be able to read it. This book is fantastically written with a brilliant morale to the story. My son and I are looking forward to the next release from the author.”
“Such a heart-warming book for kids to understand that it’s ok to be different. My daughter who has ADHD and autism sometimes is miss understood and this just explains that it’s ok she is different. The rhyming of the sentences really makes it fun and enjoyable. Brilliant book and hoping all SEN places get a copy to read to others and this should be read in schools. Well done, can’t wait for another book.”
“This book is so lovely that I got one for my son and one for my niece. Great illustrations, easy to read and a lovely storyline. Thoroughly recommended by kids and adults!”
“This was an excellent book which my son loved listening to. The way that it rhymed was great and it had him captivated. More important than anything was the moral of the story- be proud of being you, and that everyone is different. Huge praise for this.”
“Year 2 class were very excited to read our new class book. We all really enjoyed reading this book and loved the fact that it celebrated our differences. One child commented that they really loved all the different characters in the book and how they weren't typical of their species. Another child commented on how much they loved the happy ending to the story and that the story had a moral. I am certain this will be a book we share as a class again and again, it will be cherished by us all. Thank you so much so much for our new book Nick!”
“I have grandchildren on the spectrum so love to find books that tell them it’s ok to be different, this delightful story does just that in a way even the youngest can understand.”
“Such a great story with fun illustrations. This was well enjoyed by my 4 year old son and 9 year old daughter, it’s been requested several times since. Lovely lessons in there too.”
“An excellent book the idea is so good. Gave it to my Grandchildren and hopefully the moral will help them. Thanks.”
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