The future of publishing.
For generations, publishing has been seen as a world of ink on paper, quiet bookstores, and the slow, deliberate rhythm of bringing stories to life. Reading was gate kept, and important books often missed the hands of the majority. But today, the industry is transforming faster than ever, in ways we never expected. If you love books, stories, or creativity of any kind, the future of publishing is something to feel genuinely excited about.
Stories are reaching more people than ever.
Technology and the internet has opened the doors wider than any other moment in history. Whether it’s eBooks you can download in seconds, audiobooks that turn commutes into adventures, or digital libraries open 24 hours a day, readers everywhere now have access to stories without the same limits we once had. What was once only for certain members of society, is now reaching all corners of the globe. New authors can become bestsellers overnight, with just one viral post. Accessibility isn’t just improving, it’s becoming a core part of how we read and discover books today.
Authors are empowered.
The traditional gatekeepers still exist and still play a vital role, but authors today have more paths than ever. Self publishing, hybrid publishing, digital platforms, serialisation, and community driven publishing models are giving writers unprecedented creative control. And readers benefit too: more voices, more diversity, more unique worlds to explore. With complete internet access, readers are free from censorship they faced in the past. Important stories, reach important hands.
Physical books aren’t going anywhere.
Despite all the innovation, the love for printed books is as strong as ever. And with the digitalisation of most things around us, independent bookstores are thriving in new ways. The love for printed media is gaining new momentum as people remember the value of having something physical they can cherish. Community reading events are growing, and beautifully crafted print editions are more loved than ever. While eBooks play a vital role in readers libraries, for portability, and accessibility, the future isn’t a choice between digital and print, it’s a celebration of both.
Storytelling is becoming more inclusive.
Readers want representation. They want stories that reflect real lives, experiences, and identities. Publishing is responding, slowly at times, but steadily. With the accessibility of social media and the internet, everyone is able to share their story. Publishing is no longer something for those in the right rooms, it’s available to anyone with an internet connection.
The future of publishing isn’t something to fear. It’s something to welcome.
It’s a future filled with more voices, more choices, and more opportunities to fall in love with stories all over again.
Toothbrush Time: How to Make Brushing Fun for Your Little Ones!
Make brushing FUN!
Let’s be honest: getting your little ones to brush their teeth can sometimes feel like a battle. From the tantrums to the resistance, it’s no surprise that many parents dread this daily ritual. But did you know that brushing your child’s teeth doesn’t have to be a struggle? In fact, it can be a fun bonding experience that teaches them lifelong healthy habits. Let’s dive into some ways you can make brushing time enjoyable for both you and your little ones.
1. Make It a Game
The key to getting kids excited about brushing is to make it feel like an adventure. Use colourful toothbrushes and toothpaste, or even let them pick out their own! You can also turn brushing into a game — maybe they have to “fight off the sugar bugs” or “brush away the dinosaur germs.” Set a timer for 2 minutes and challenge them to brush to the beat of a fun song. Challenge them to stand on one leg while they brush.
It’s all about turning the mundane into something magical!
2. Storytime Magic
Another way to make brushing more fun is through storytelling. That’s why we made Tooth Town. Our favourite children’s stories about the importance of brushing your teeth, and what evil characters show up when you miss a brush or two!
Reading before or during brushing can capture your child’s attention and ease any anxiety about the process. It can also personify their teeth for them - they will care more about someone that seems like a real friend!
3. Create a Consistent Routine
Kids thrive on routine. Try to brush teeth at the same times each day — before breakfast and before bed. If you stick to this routine, it will become second nature for your child. Plus, consistency helps build good habits early, making it easier for them to understand the importance of brushing.
Who doesn’t love the feeling of going to sleep with a clean mouth? Soon they won’t be able to sleep without brushing first!
4. Make It a Family Affair
Brushing doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Get the whole family involved! Brush your own teeth at the same time to show your child that everyone needs to take care of their teeth. If you have multiple children, let them “race” each other to see who can finish brushing the fastest (while still doing a thorough job, of course).
Kids imitate - whatever you do, they do! Encourage brushing simply by doing it yourself.
It’s normal to feel frustrated at times, but remember: brushing is an essential part of keeping your child’s teeth healthy. By making it fun, creating a consistent routine, and leading by example, you’ll be helping your little ones develop good habits that will last a lifetime.
Do you have any fun tips or tricks to make brushing teeth more enjoyable? Share your ideas with us in the comments below!
Monday Motivation: Start Your Week Right!
Don’t let Mondays get you down.
Mornings are tough, especially on Mondays! Between getting the kids ready for school, making breakfast, and juggling work, it’s easy to feel like the week is already off to a chaotic start. But what if Mondays could be your secret weapon for setting the tone for a positive and productive week? With a few simple shifts in your routine and mindset, you can start each week feeling refreshed, focused, and empowered.
1. Set Small, Achievable Goals
It’s tempting to overwhelm yourself with a long to-do list at the start of the week, but the key to success is setting small, achievable goals. Whether it’s getting everyone dressed and out the door on time or tackling one work project, breaking your day into manageable tasks can help you stay focused. Don’t load yourself up with everything you need to do for the week on Monday, just a few small things.
Start your Monday with a sense of accomplishment — even if it’s just a tiny win.
2. Practice Gratitude
A quick gratitude practice in the morning can shift your mindset in powerful ways. Take a few minutes before the chaos of the day begins to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It might be as simple as your coffee, the warmth of your bed or the sound of your kids laughing. You don’t have to write them down or spend hours practicing gratitude, but try take a few moments when you brush your teeth or as you lie in bed for the last five minutes.This practice helps to ground you and start the day with positivity.
Studies show that gratitude can reduce stress, so why not incorporate it into your Monday routine?
3. Prioritise Self-Care
As a mum, you’re constantly giving to others, but don’t forget about yourself! Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Prioritise at least 10–15 minutes each morning for self-care. Whether it’s a quick workout, journaling, or even just sitting down with a cup of tea, these small acts of self-care can recharge your batteries and set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
If you can muster it, try waking up a little bit earlier to squeeze in some me-time before the house gets up.
4. Embrace the Chaos
Let’s face it — some days will be messy. Your kids might spill their cereal, your work might pile up, and things may not go according to plan. But that’s okay! Embrace the chaos and remember that you’re doing your best. Perfection isn’t the goal — progress is. Celebrate the small wins (even if it’s just surviving the morning) and keep moving forward with a positive attitude.
As they say, the days are long but the years are short. It won’t last forever so enjoy it all!
Mondays don’t have to be overwhelming. By setting small goals, practicing gratitude, and prioritising your well-being, you can start your week feeling energised and in control. Remember, you’ve got this! Mondays are a fresh start, and they’re yours for the taking.
What’s your secret to starting the week strong? Share your Monday motivation tips with us in the comments below!
A Guide: Writing a Children’s Story
It all begins with an idea.
Have you ever found yourself captivated by the simplicity and joy of a children’s story? The way these books can spark imagination and teach valuable lessons with just a few pages of words and colourful illustrations is truly magical. If you’ve ever dreamed of writing your own children’s book but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place!
Writing a children’s story is a fun and rewarding challenge, but it does require creativity, structure, and an understanding of your young audience. In this post, we’ll break down the steps you can take to write a children’s book that both kids and parents will love.
1. Know Your Audience
The first step in writing any children’s book is understanding who you’re writing for. Children's books are often broken down into categories by age group, and the style and content vary depending on the age range:
Board Books (Ages 0–3): These are simple, often interactive books that engage infants and toddlers with minimal text and colorful illustrations.
Picture Books (Ages 3–7): A combination of short text and illustrations, these books tell stories that children can relate to while developing their vocabulary and reading skills.
Early Readers (Ages 5–7): These books are for kids who are beginning to read on their own. The stories are slightly longer, with simple words and sentences.
Chapter Books (Ages 7–9): These books are for young readers who are ready for longer stories and more complex narratives, with fewer illustrations.
Identifying the target age group will guide your language, themes, and the complexity of your plot.
2. Start with a Simple Concept
Children’s stories often revolve around simple, relatable concepts that are easy for young minds to understand. Think about the themes you want to explore:
Everyday experiences (like going to school, making new friends, or learning new things)
Adventures or fantasies (like a magical world or animal heroes)
Problem-solving and lessons (like sharing, being kind, or overcoming fears)
A good children's story often addresses a central problem or conflict that the protagonist must resolve. Whether it’s a bear who’s afraid of the dark or a child learning to make new friends, the problem should be relatable and solvable in a way that children can understand.
3. Create Relatable Characters
One of the most important elements of a children’s story is the character. Children need a protagonist they can relate to — someone who is facing challenges they themselves may experience. Your main character doesn’t have to be human; it could be an animal, a toy, or even an inanimate object (like a brave pencil or a clever apple). But the key is that your character feels authentic and approachable.
Think about your character’s:
Personality: Is your character brave, kind, mischievous, or curious? The character’s traits will influence the way the story unfolds.
Motivation: What does the character want? What’s standing in their way?
Growth: Children’s stories often feature a character’s journey, both externally (through the plot) and internally (in terms of lessons learned or personal growth).
For example, if your story is about a shy animal who learns to speak up, the character’s internal growth will parallel the external action.
4. Focus on Simple but Engaging Language
Children's stories rely heavily on the power of language to convey emotions, actions, and themes. When writing for young readers, simplicity is key. Use age-appropriate language, short sentences, and repetition. These techniques help build confidence in young readers and make the story more accessible.
For picture books, keep the text minimal and use every word purposefully. A good rule of thumb is to let the illustrations tell part of the story. The text and images should work together to engage the child’s imagination.
For early readers and chapter books, you can begin to introduce more complex sentence structures, but always remember to keep the language clear and straightforward.
5. Build a Strong Beginning, Middle, and End
Even a short children’s story needs structure. The three-act structure — beginning, middle, and end — works well for children’s books, just like it does for longer novels. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Beginning: Introduce your main character and set the scene. What is the character’s world like, and what is the problem they’re facing? This is where you hook your young readers.
Middle: This is where the conflict or problem takes center stage. Your character tries to solve the issue but faces challenges. This part of the story should keep children engaged and curious about what will happen next.
End: The resolution. The main character solves the problem or learns the lesson. The ending should be satisfying and provide closure for both the character and the reader.
Keep in mind that children thrive on stories with happy endings, or at least hopeful resolutions. But don’t be afraid to explore deep emotions or real-life challenges — kids are more resilient and insightful than we often give them credit for!
6. Use Illustrations to Tell Part of the Story
If you're writing a picture book, the illustrations will play a huge role in bringing your story to life. You don’t have to be an artist, but it’s important to think about how the images can complement or expand on your text. For example, while your words may tell the reader that the character is sad, the illustrations can show their facial expression or body language, deepening the emotional connection.
Even in books for older kids, illustrations can be used sparingly to enhance the story. These visual cues will help reinforce the tone and themes of your narrative.
7. Edit, Edit, Edit
Once you’ve completed your first draft, it’s time to revise. Children’s stories need to be clear and concise, so review your manuscript multiple times to make sure every word serves a purpose. Consider the pacing — is the story moving at the right speed for the age group you’re writing for? Make sure you have a good balance between text and images, if applicable.
You may also want to read your story aloud to get a feel for the rhythm and flow. Kids love stories that have a natural cadence, especially those that rhyme or include a fun, repetitive structure.
Writing a children’s story is an incredibly rewarding creative endeavour. By understanding your audience, keeping the plot simple, developing relatable characters, and using engaging language and illustrations, you can create a book that resonates with children and adults alike.
Remember, the most important part of writing for children is to have fun and let your creativity shine! Kids have wild imaginations, and the more you embrace that freedom, the more your story will come to life.
Are you working on a children’s story? Share your ideas or send us a draft, we would love to publish your story!