On Children’s Book Week we learn how one adopted child’s wish came true through the power of imagination and creation.

“It all started as a bit of a self-esteem building activity for Seren last Christmas,” explains Susanne when I ask how this all came about.

“It’s always (self-esteem) been a bit of an issue for her growing up and now as she gets older we started looking at more creative ways to help build it. I’ve got a studio in the garden which I use for parts of my job and this where the initial creations happened.

“Seren started with lots of drawings and sketches as the characters started to take shape in her mind, one thing led to another and I just said, ‘Mammy’s going to put all these together into a book and put on Amazon’ – her face lit up!”

“Seren has always loved penguins so naturally her first character was a penguin called Waddles. She has experienced a few challenges in her life in terms of keeping friends.

“This was expressed in her first book The Christmas Wish where there is a main character who wishes on the Christmas Star for a friend – Waddles ends up landing in her bedroom!”

“Seren is neurodiverse and we’ve had lots of chats about how her brain can work a bit differently to some other peoples. She understands that she has ADHD and we are waiting on some other referrals too.

“The books have been such a massive boost to her and we’ve had amazing response from her friends and school – both books are now available in the school library!”

“Seren is currently obsessed with getting an electric guitar soon with music being a huge outlet for her – naturally the second book became Waddles Learns to Rock!

“The books have actually helped Seren to make and maintain new friendships, so they’ve become a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy!

“We will have to see what happens with the rock star aspirations!

You can purchase both of Seren’s books below by clicking on the images below

The Christmas Wish

“Filled with wonder, friendship, and festive cheer, The Christmas Wish written by an 8 year old girl, is a heart- warming tale perfect for young readers and families to enjoy together”

Waddles Learns To Rock

“A heart-warming, rocking tale about friendship, music, and the magic of believing in your dreams.”

Children’s Book Week is the annual celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading.

Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. Every year, young people across the country participate by attending events at schools, libraries, bookstores, celebrating at home, and engaging with book creators both online and in person. The 2025 Children’s Book Week will take place during two dedicated weeks of celebration, May 5-11 and November 3-9!