A children’s author and illustrator from Leicestershire has channelled her own experiences of dyspraxia and her daughter’s experience with autism into a brand new picture book with a neurodivergent lead.
Based in Melton Mowbray, Sarah Hewitt has created ‘Anna’s Garden’ to celebrate differences: “[Anna’s Garden] aims to send a message to all children to celebrate difference and recognise its strengths, and that self-sufficiency and being unique is something to seek out, not to hide from,” says Sarah – an award-winning author-illustrator.
‘Anna’s Garden’ feels both nostalgic and modern, standing out with it’s very traditional artwork contrasted with the story’s modern and progressive outlook. A classic rhyming picture book, ‘Anna’s Garden’ features a diverse cast of characters with themes of kindness and self-discovery. Independent play also plays a huge role in the book, and promotes the importance of children having their own hobbies as well as the confidence to express what they like and don’t like. Something which Sarah says will “empower young people to embrace their true selves”.
Published by Tiny Tree Books, ‘Anna’s Garden’ is released on March 14th and is available to purchase on Amazon, Bookshop.org and through all good bookshops.
“Anna’s Garden is so precious to me,” adds Sarah, who is an MA graduate in Children’s Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art.
“It has a message for all children everywhere.”
Sarah Hewitt has written and illustrated six picture books in total, including ‘The Sleeping Garden’ – ‘a true fairy tale for young and old’ and ‘Granddad’ a story designed to help children cope positively with bereavement.
Visit: https://www.booksbysarah.co.uk/ to find out more.
