Anna's Garden by Sarah Hewitt

Today I am thrilled to have an interview with Sarah, read on to find out more about her inspirations and what makes her happy. Spoiler (not really) alert, a lot of nature is involved!

Interview

To start with, would you like to say a little about your inspirations for the book?

The story of the book's creation can be read in detail here. My inspiration came from my own experience as a child with dyspraxia and my late daughter Beth's love of gardening.  I hope Anna's Garden empowers all children to be the wonderful people they really are. As a child I wished I could be like everyone else, but now I feel blessed by the things I can do well such as writing and drawing, because while neurodiversity can bring challenges, it can also bring wonderful gifts. Anna's Garden is also a book about kindness - I truly believe that most problems can be solved by simple kindness and understanding and that it is the most important lesson we can teach our children.

I love the illustrations, have you always liked to draw as well as write?

Thank you! Drawing is my first love. I was always encouraged by my family and spent many hours with my maternal grandfather in particular, drawing and painting. He was the inspiration for my first picture book 'Grandad'. The transformational experience of being a mature student on the Children's Book illustration MA at Cambridge School of Art when I was 46, was magical, and underpins all that I do creatively. I describe the illustration process for Anna's Garden step by step here.

Do you have a garden of your own? What is your favourite flower?

I do have a garden - although I am so busy with my books in my spare time that the gardening is usually done by my lovely husband Richard - helped by our labrador Indy!

My favourite flower changes with the seasons - I always feel happy when I see the daffodils appearing because it means that all is to come with the promise of sunshine, spring and summer. The smell of roses always takes me back to wonderful summer childhood days spent in the garden with my dad. 

Here is Anna sitting in our garden:) 

What a wonderful message at the end, 'Do What Makes You Happy!' What are some of the little things that make you happy?

The things that make me happy are spending time with my family and friends, and of course drawing (which always makes me happy, even on the days when I wake up feeling sad). I also treasure hearing the birds and watching the seasons change when I'm with Indy on our early morning walks. So much makes me happy - the common denominator to all my friendships is laughter - and it is definitely the best medicine.

Finally, what is your favourite cocktail or drink?

My favourite cocktail is an espresso martini - I love the fact it is like choosing the coffee creme chocolate from a selection box every time! My favourite drink is Guinness served at the perfect temperature, enjoyed with friends, ideally in a bar in the Irish countryside.

Book Summary

Anna knows what she likes and what she is good at.

Even though catching a ball is not her favourite game and loud noises make her ears hurt, there are lots of other things that Anna can do.

Although she likes to spend time on her own, she is also very kind and loves sharing with others.

'Anna’s Garden' is a classic rhyming picture book with a charming art style. With a memorable cast and unique handling of its themes, this story will help young readers embrace their true selves.

Anna doesn't necessarily want to do the same things everyone else considers fun, but that doesn't mean she doesn't care about them all and want to be friends. She has a present for everyone and at the end shares what makes her happiest with all of them. I loved the wonderful descriptions of each of the people Anna meets on her way and the delightful, dreamy illustrations. The rhyming words flow so beautifully and lyrically.

Sarah's favourite cocktail is an Espresso Martini, but as I've already featured the usual one on my blog I thought I'd try an adaptation I've seen online. So here is an Espresso Rumtini!

Shake and strain into a cocktail glass - 45ml gold rum, 30ml espresso, 20ml coffee liqueur, dash of sugar syrup (according to your taste for sweetness!).