Meet the Creators of

Step inside to meet the team behind the Tawny Owl Wood book series. Creating books can involve many people coming together, three of the key people are Louise, Lesley & Sarah-Leigh.

These three dynamic women share a simple goal: to bring joy to everyone who reads their books. No matter your age, gender, or background, their stories are crafted to brighten your day and make you smile.

Hi, I'm Louise, the Author and Creator of Tawny Owl Wood.

Becoming an author wasn’t my original path—it’s been quite a journey to get here. I began as a Holistic Therapist, first for people and then for horses, managing large equestrian yards in Norfolk and Suffolk.

In 2015, life took a turn, and I became a Local Government Officer in Suffolk, eventually moving to West Sussex in 2019 to take a role in a larger council. Along the way, I earned degrees in Community Governance and Leadership & Management in 2021 and 2022.

Amid all this, my husband encouraged me to revisit my first two manuscripts in 2021—and we haven’t looked back since!

Becoming an author has been a challenging yet rewarding journey for me. It took time, patience, and self-belief to pursue this dream, and I’m so grateful for my family’s support along the way.

Creating children’s books is a collaborative effort, and I’m incredibly thankful for the talented people I share this journey with. Let me introduce you to them:

Lesley Hart, Editor: Lesley joined me early on, taking a leap of faith to help refine two of my first stories. Over the past years, her expertise has transformed these books, giving them the vision they hold today. I’m so grateful for her invaluable contribution.

Sarah-Leigh Wills, Illustrator: Finding the right illustrator was a long road, but then I met Sarah, and everything clicked. We both love quirky, unique styles, and from the moment she read the first books, we were perfectly aligned. Her illustrations have brought these stories to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

I’m excited to continue this journey and share more stories with you.

Hi, I'm Lesley!

I’ve been an editor since 2020 and a creative writing teacher since 2017. Before that, I spent eight years working in primary education and another eight in a sixth-form college library, which sparked my passion for children’s literacy and books.

When Louise asked me to review the first two Tawny Owl Wood books, I was immediately drawn to Emilia, the diverse and relatable main character, and the inclusive fairy community. Louise’s stories are engaging and ones children will return to again and again. Collaborating with Louise and seeing Sarah bring the characters to life has been a joy. The illustrations reflect characters readers can see themselves in, which was important to all of us.

In 2020, I launched Author’s Pen UK, offering complete author services. As a published author with 15 years of experience, I understand how overwhelming the publishing world can be. My goal is to guide authors from their first idea to publication, helping them navigate the process and avoid scams.

I hold an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University and have trained extensively in editing, including courses with the Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders (CIEP). Since starting my business, I’ve developed resources like a UK literary agent database and creative writing courses to support authors at every stage.
You can learn more about my services at authorspen.co.uk

Hi! I'm Sarah-Leigh, also known as the ‘Happy Designer.’

I have a huge passion for children’s picture books-not just creating them but also collecting and enjoying works by others. As someone with a child-like imagination who thinks in pictures, designing and illustrating children’s books is the perfect fit for me. My quirky, fun illustrations bring smiles to children’s faces, which is what I love most about my work.

My journey began with a background in graphic design and a prestigious start, winning the UK & Ireland Design Against Fur Award in 2007. That same year, my work was featured at the London Design Festival, and I founded Happydesigner.
Initially focused on branding, I soon transitioned to creating award-winning characters and designs for children’s books.

At Happydesigner, we offer a one-stop shop for turning children’s stories into beautifully illustrated books. Our approachable, creative, and slightly quirky style sets us apart. Over the years, I’ve worked with private clients, agencies, and publishers worldwide, designing not just books but also educational materials, soft toys, and puzzles.

I’m proud to be known for my creativity, energy, and the joy I bring to every project. For me, this isn’t just work-it’s a passion. My goal is simple: to leave happy footprints wherever I go.

Learn more about our services at happydesigner.co.uk.