Many parents turn to books and the magic of storytelling to help their child through challenging times and specific situations in their life. Today we are extremely excited to bring you an interview with an author of one of those very important books.
Michelle Worthington is an international multi award-winning author dedicated to encouraging a strong love of reading in young children, having penned over 30 incredible children's books.
Shortlisted twice for the Children's Book Council of Australia's picture book of the year, Michelle has also been recognised for her contribution to celebrating diversity in literature.
Her book My Brother Tom was a finalist in the International Book Excellence Awards and explores the unique experience of welcoming a premature baby into the family. It remains one of the few books available for older siblings to help them make sense of what is happening at this difficult time.
We were lucky enough to meet Michelle at Life’s Little Treasures 18th Birthday Celebration in Brisbane recently where she kindly agreed to share more about herself and her career.
You published your first book over 10 years ago in 2011, did you always know you wanted to be an author? I wanted to be a hairdresser until I was in grade 7. Then I wanted to be a teacher. I was always told that you couldn’t be an author as a job, only a hobby. Authors have the power to influence and shape public discourse, advocate for change, and shed light on important social issues. Growing up as an avid reader may have instilled a sense of social responsibility in me, motivating me to use my writing to make a positive impact.
My Brother Tom tells the story of a baby brother who arrives earlier than expected. What inspired you to tell this story?
Going through the emotionally and physically demanding experience of having three premature babies was life-altering. It introduced me to a world of medical jargon, neonatal units, and constant worry. Each day was a rollercoaster of emotions, from hope to fear, and back to hope again. It was a story that needed to be told to acknowledge the role big brothers and sisters play as part of the preemie journey. Writing "My Brother Tom" became a therapeutic process for me. It allowed me to channel my emotions and experiences into a creative outlet. It was a way to transform the challenging moments into a source of inspiration and strength.
How old is Tom now and how is he doing?
Tom is 9 years old and is doing wonderfully well. He has dyslexia, ASD and verbal and physical tics. When he grows up, he wants to be an actor. If that doesn’t happen, he wants to be a professional baseball player.
Your book was written to help older siblings to premature babies. What helped or would have helped you as a mum to a premmie baby in hospital and older children at home?
Premature birth is a topic often shrouded in silence, with many parents feeling isolated and struggling to find resources to help them navigate this challenging journey. My own experiences led me to believe that sharing our story could help break the silence, open up conversations, and provide support to others in similar situations.
You have written other beautiful books featuring a diverse array of characters with different abilities. Is the writing process different with these types of stories?
The journey with premature babies also ignited a passion for advocacy within me. I wanted to raise awareness about prematurity and the struggles faced by preemie families. Writing a picture book became a powerful medium to communicate these important messages to a broader audience.
You have helped so many families through your book, what do you love most about being involved in the premature baby community?
Being part of the premature baby community allows me to connect with parents and families who have experienced similar journeys. It's a network of individuals who understand the unique emotional and practical challenges that come with premature birth. Together, we can share advice, offer comfort, and provide a sense of belonging. Premature birth can be an incredibly daunting and uncertain experience. Through my involvement in this community, I can offer hope to families who may be going through difficult times. Sharing our story and the positive outcomes we achieved brings a ray of hope to those in need. My involvement in the community allows me to contribute to raising awareness about prematurity and its impact on families. This heightened awareness can lead to improved resources, better support systems, and ultimately, better outcomes for premature babies and their families.
Our feeds have recently been filled with costumes and creations in the theme of Read, Grow, Inspire for this year's Children's Book Week®. What impact do you think books and reading have on the lives of our little ones?
This is such an important question. Books and reading have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of our little ones. The influence of books and reading extends far beyond just learning language or basic literacy skills. Books stimulate cognitive development by encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and imagination. Through storytelling, children learn to make connections between events, predict outcomes, and develop a deeper understanding of cause and effect.
Reading books with characters and diverse experiences allows children to develop empathy and social awareness. They learn about different cultures, emotions, and perspectives, which fosters empathy and understanding of others.
What book are you currently working on or what are you dreaming of writing?
I am currently working on a book about infant loss. "Made With Love" is a heartfelt and poignant book co-written by Rachael Tickner, dedicated to mothers who have experienced the profound loss of a child, regardless of gestation or age. I hope it will offer solace, compassion, and a guiding light through the darkest of times. In a world where the pain of infant loss can often feel isolating and indescribable, I hope "Made With Love" serves as a beacon of hope, a sanctuary for shared grief, and a tribute to the enduring love between mothers and their precious children.
What was your favourite book to read to your kids when they were little?
I read all my boys The Hobbit when they were in the SCN. It felt good to be able to ‘do’ something, and sharing one of my favourite books was a way to feel connected to them. When they were older, they loved Baby Boomsticks, The Bear Snores On and Litte Ones Do.
Michelle’s book My Brother Tom is a beautifully written soft-cover children’s book featuring gorgeous illustrations by Ann-Marie Finn. It is available for purchase via the Life’s Little Treasures website, with royalties from the sale of each book donated to Life’s Little Treasures Foundation in the name of Tom Worthington Walker.
You can connect with Michelle via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/michelle.author/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelleworthington.author or her website https://www.michelleworthington.com
