Pretty in Purple follows a young girl on her 7th birthday who meets her spirit guide, and she is given a special gift: the ability to see auras. What was the inspiration for your story?

I’ve always been fascinated by energy, intuition, and the unseen connections between people. As a mother, I wanted to create a story that teaches children about inner beauty, kindness, and the energy we share with the world. Pretty in Purple was inspired by my daughters and the lessons I hope to pass down to them; lessons about self-worth, empathy, and seeing beyond appearances. The idea for Sophie’s story first came to me in 2014, after my first daughter was born, but it wasn’t until my second daughter arrived in 2024 that I truly felt the push to bring it to life.

What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?

I wanted to introduce young readers to the concept of auras in a way that feels both magical and relatable. While auras are often seen as a spiritual concept, I present them as a visual representation of emotions; helping kids understand that our energy, attitude, and kindness affect how others feel around us. The story also explores important social-emotional lessons, like making friends, dealing with unkind behaviour, and learning that true beauty shines from within.

The art in this book is fantastic. What was the collaboration process like with illustrator Katya Mo?

Working with Katya Mo was an incredible experience. I had a very clear vision for the book. I wanted it to be vibrant, whimsical, and full of energy to reflect the story’s themes. Katya beautifully brought Sophie’s world to life, especially in the way she portrayed the auras with soft, glowing colors. We worked closely to ensure each illustration complemented the emotions of the scene, from Sophie’s excitement to her moments of doubt. The end result exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!

What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?

I’m currently working on the sequel to Pretty in Purple! In this next adventure, Sophie meets a boy named Alex, who spends most of his time indoors on his tablet and is afraid of the outside world. With Zoe’s guidance, Sophie helps Alex reconnect with nature, and he begins to heal; both emotionally and physically. This story highlights the power of nature, movement, and play in our well-being. I’m also adapting Pretty in Purple into a 24-page board book with rhyming text for younger readers, focusing even more on the concept of auras. I hope to release both books within the next year!

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