Since she was young, Michelle has been writing and illustrating for her own enjoyment. To some she is known as a teacher, or a mother of two, or the head mama of her worldschooling family. But she has now added another title to this list, publishing her first children’s book inspired by her family travels. In writing The Travelling Stone series, Michelle hopes to inspire others (both young and old) to travel the world and see each new experience with child-like wonder. The Travelling Stone – France is the first in the series featuring Michelle’s children, Piper and Lachie.
Here is an interview with Michelle about her upcoming book release.
What is the book about?
The Travelling Stone- France is a fantasy chapter book about two children who discover a special stone that can take them anywhere they want to go in the world. Of course, their first destination is France! They make new friends, see great sights and help people along the way.
How did you come up with the idea of The Travelling Stone?
The Travelling Stone idea was born by my Mum, out of a long covid lockdown in Melbourne. She wanted to create a book for her grandchildren who loved travelling (I bet you can guess who those two children are), creating a handwritten and illustrated series of short travel stories. When restrictions eased, Grammy (as she is affectionately known) visited Piper and Lachie, reading one story each night before bed. I found myself sitting on the floor, listening to the stories as my imagination ran wild! Not long after I began writing The Travelling Stone- France, inspired by my Mum’s original stories and our own travels through the beautiful country.
What inspired The Travelling Stone?
My childhood favourites were always fantasy books, the possibilities are endless and I wanted to create this feeling of magic for children reading my stories. I love travelling with our children as I get to see the world through their eyes and I feel so much excitement at the diversity of our planet. I wanted to capture this in my books and inspire others to feel this awe for the world we live in.
How do you come up with your location ideas for each book in the series?
Each book is inspired by real-life events, as we travel the world with our two children. For example, the Marionettist character in The Travelling Stone- France was inspired by seeing a real street performer in Colmar. The places I include in the books are always places I have visited. It needs to be this way for me to get a true feel for a location and hence write about it.
Why do you think people will enjoy reading The Travelling Stone?
Most people love to travel, but it’s not always easy to do. The Travelling Stone allows the reader to feel like they are right there beside Lachie eating a Nutella crepe, or feeling Piper’s excitement as she sees her dollhouse in a real life house in Colmar. It transports them to another place.
How would you describe The Travelling Stone books?
They are fun and whimsical, combining real life and fantasy. I hope that people feel a sense of adventure and child-like wonder when they travel the world with Piper and Lachie in The Travelling Stone.
The first in the series will be released in the coming months. If you’d like to be one of the first to read the story or get a discount on your copy, then join Michelle’s Launch Team. Contact her by email edventurewithus@gmail.com or complete our contact form writing LAUNCH TEAM next to your NAME and Michelle will contact you with the details!