Publisher's Synopsis
Embark on a heart-warming adventure with Mum, Oscar, and Te in 'The Mum Who Found Her Sparkle.' Whilst on the surface Mum appeared fine, her family knew better. This enchanting picture book takes readers on a captivating journey to recover Mum's lost Sparkle. As you explore this delightful story together, you'll discover that it's not only a tale for your little ones but also a beautiful reminder to you, Mama, of your true and extraordinary self. Matrescence, the profound transition into Motherhood, is tenderly explored in this book. Be inspired to rediscover the Sparkle within you in this uplifting and heartfelt story designed to be enjoyed by every member of the family.
Jessie lives with her husband Mitch, and her children Finley and Ester (who she likes to call her little world changers) in the Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia. In between pockets of time parenting, Jess loves to write, create digital art, take photos, read and spend time with family and friends. She is also a Local Government professional with nearly 15 years experience in community planning, development and engagement. After Jessie experienced the loss of her Dad to suicide in 2009, and her own experiences of mental ill health (including Postnatal Depression and Anxiety in 2019); she has been determined to share her hard in order to contribute to reducing the stigma around mental ill health; as well as challenge the perfect mother myth. Motherhood helped her access her creativity in ways she thought weren't available to her. And credits it as not just something to access to bring to life something tangible, but as a way to get to know ourselves and manage stress.
Mary lives with her husband Bill and her beautiful 'small but mighty' daughter, Anastasia, in the regional town of Goulburn, NSW.
She is a trained Primary School Teacher with almost 10 years experience in the mainstream system, both in Australia and London with lots of time spent in Special Needs settings. After becoming a Mother in 2020, Mary's priorities have shifted to start supporting families in their Unschooling journey recognising the immense benefits of natural learning and learning through life principles. Originally a Sydney girl, Mary and her husband moved out of the city in 2018 in search of a slower pace of life. Although when Motherhood came knocking, it came thick and fast. Mary often describes the process as being hit by a truck and it took a long time to recalibrate and feel an ease in her Motherhood experience. She experienced severe bouts of anxiety and grappled with intense anger and rage with a very vocal daughter who didn't think sleep was very important. Mary was adamant her experience could be better though and started intentionally prioritising her joy and pleasure, putting herself first and rejecting the notion that a Mother must sacrifice all of herself to be a good mum.
In a perfect culmination of their lifetime of joys and challenges, this story represents both women and their desire for Motherhood to be a more joyous, supported and Sparkly experience for all mamas.
