Narelle Wynter

I've had a passion to write children's stories for many years. I have 4 children (now young adults), have worked with children most of my life as a paediatric speech pathologist, and have a desire to create fun, vibrant, engaging stories that appeal to children who are learning to read.

I also have a passion for health, and have noticed that it is becoming increasingly difficult for parents to encourage their children to eat up their veggies. Families are exposed to more processed foods, infant and toddler foods are failing to meet WHO standards (Guradian, Aug 2024), and in fact they are deceptively labelled and often high in sugar. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2020/21) found that only 9% of children in Australia aged between 2-17 years, are eating sufficient vegetables per day.  So I thought, what if I was to write a book that inspired children to eat up their veggies? 

Feedback from parents in WA (where I am based) indicates that, in fact, my story is resulting in more children consuming their veggies - with broccoli being the front runner!  

It is not an easy task in Australia to secure a traditional publishing contract for a children's picture book, forcing many authors to explore hybrid publishing models or self-publishing. When there is no traditional publishing contract, the costs to publish a children's book rests firmly on the shoulders of the author, along with marketing and distribution of the books. Hence the challenge of getting my book, that may help to positively influence a child's behaviour, into libraries around the country.

When I provide author incursions to libraries in WA, to childcare centres, and schools, I receive feedback that is heartwarmingly positive and I know I have a quality book with an important message, in the palm of my hand. Your help to get my message out to the broader community is enormously appreciated.

Each paperback book costs $16.95, with postage of another $12.20 (there are some additional fees on top, for using this platform). So I figure, for a little over $30, I can get a book out to a library. My preference is to start with regional/rural libraries and to expand into metropolitan areas if the opportunity exists.

In NSW alone, there are 95 regional councils with libraries. Yikes! That's just one state.

If $2000 was raised, I could send my books to 67-68 libraries. If more is raised, I will continue to work on my dream of sending my books out as far and wide as possible. I currenty have 1000 books available to send out.

I will update via my website and social media platforms, where each book has been sent.

Can you help me raise $2000 to get this project underway?