Inspiring Children’s Picture Books 2026

As we enter the beginning of 2026 I am delighted with the new children’s picture books I have added to my children’s book collection this past year. Over the past two years my books have been inspired by significant people I have met in my life. Aspiring role models that have had a purpose and legacy that cannot be summed up in a little book. Yet I have tried my best to honour them in my modest little scribbles and writing!

Children’s First Prayers and Commandments!

My First Prayer Book

Inspired by both a teacher and family friend who would appear at our little cottage in Morningside like ‘Mary Poppins’. This book was dedicated to ‘Our Sister Magdalene’. Sister Magdalene would regularly visit offering my parents a break from myself and my 8 siblings. She always appeared on her motorcycle with her leather bag tied to the back seat of her Honda. We would all sit eagerly waiting around the fireplace to discover what she had tucked away in her bag; arts and crafts, puzzles or games -she never ceased to surprise us!

Children’s Ten Commandments

Plus surprisingly my second book ‘Children’s Ten Commandments; Whispers from God was also inspired by another nun Sister Martina Boylan. I first met Martina in my early 20’s after graduating from Art College where we struck up a friendship. And I discovered her amazing life’s story in particular her work in Uganda in the 1960’s and 70’s. Martina’s miraculous fervour for life continues unhampered even at 94. Only earlier last summer she suddenly appeared at my front door with her zimmer after jumping on a train from London to come and visit her friends in Scotland.

Already both of these books have become personal favourites of mine with a special young nieces seal of approval by insisting that her dad reads her ‘My First Prayer Book’ every night.

In conclusion I am not sure what new books I will have in store for 2026. Who will inspire me to put pencil to paper? All I know is that both of these books were a pleasure to create, in honour of two of the most remarkable women I have had the pleasure to know!