I Thought My Son Might Be the Only One Who Would Ever Read It
Every Story Has a Beginning
Before Noah's Adventures became a children's book series enjoyed by families across Ireland and beyond, it was simply an idea inspired by one little boy, a family who loved to travel, and a passion for storytelling. This is the story behind the series.
It All Started with One Story
Every children's book starts somewhere, but not every story begins with the intention of becoming a published book.
Seeing children connect with Noah, hearing parents share that their little ones ask to read the books repeatedly, and watching families head out on their own adventures has been deeply humbling. Those moments remind me why I picked up the pen in the first place, and they continue to inspire every new journey.
Growing Up Between Two Countries
Moving from Canada to Ireland and becoming a first-time mum gave me a fresh perspective on children's literature.
Reading to my own children made me realize how few stories reflected the diverse communities we live in today. I wanted them to see themselves represented on the page, while also helping other children see diversity as a completely natural part of life.
For me, diversity has never been a separate lesson to teach. Growing up in Canada, sharing classrooms and playgrounds with children from different cultures and backgrounds was simply everyday life.
That is the world I hope Noah's Adventures nurtures: a place where every child feels seen and naturally learns to celebrate people from all walks of life.
Every Adventure Begins with a Journey
A question I am frequently asked is how I choose the locations for each book.
Every destination is inspired by somewhere we have travelled as a family. Whether exploring a quiet county in Ireland or visiting a new country abroad, each place holds real memories for us. After every trip, I ask my children three simple questions:
"What made you smile the most?"
"What do you remember most?"
Their answers are almost always different from mine, which is the magic of it. While adults focus on landmarks or itineraries, children remember feeding a duck, spotting an odd bug, sharing an ice cream, or getting caught in the rain. Those small details form the heart of every story.
Every Adventure Needs a Best Friend
Bodie is inspired by our real-life family dog—in many ways, my first baby. Watching the bond between him and my children has been extraordinary. They whisper secrets to him, chat about their days, and bring him along on every excursion.
Including Bodie felt effortless. He reminds young readers that life's best journeys are even better when shared with loyal friends.
From Family Memories to the Page
After returning from a trip, I weave our discoveries and small moments into an engaging, educational manuscript. Once edited, I collaborate closely with my illustrator to bring the scenes to life before proofing and print.
Spending time outdoors is a cornerstone of our family rhythm. You don't need a plane ticket to find wonder; adventure lives along a woodland trail, by the coastline, or in the neighborhood park.
A Moment I'll Never Forget
While seeing books on shelves is exciting, the personal moments with young readers matter most.
During a storytime session, I was chatting with the children about the plot when a little girl eagerly raised her hand to participate.
Stories can build confidence, build empathy, and give children the comfort they need to find their own voice.
Looking Ahead
Noah's Adventures continues to grow with new destinations and characters. Alongside the books, I regularly visit schools and libraries, sharing storytime sessions and developing curriculum-linked lesson plans to help teachers explore literacy, geography, and inclusion in the classroom.
No matter how large the series grows, the underlying mission remains unchanged: to help children discover the joy of reading and realize they never have to look far to begin exploring.
The greatest adventures don't always begin with a suitcase.
Sometimes, they begin with a single story.
