One Year On Since We Launched…

When I think back to my childhood and the core memories my grandmother instilled in me, I could never have imagined they would lead me to where I am today. Yet, here I am—one year on since launching Tawny Owl Wood, my dream brought to life, and it’s all thanks to Betty and Peter, my beloved grandparents.

I consider myself incredibly lucky for two reasons. First, I was fortunate enough to grow up in the 1980s, a time when entertainment came from our imaginations and the great outdoors. Hours were spent playing in endless fields, surrounded by wildlife, spinning stories of fairies and magical worlds. Second, I had the privilege of being loved by the most amazing grandparents. The bond with grandparents is truly like no other, and I can’t wait for the day I get to become a grandmother myself—to show my children and future grandchildren what it’s like to be cherished by doting grandparents.

My grandparents not only shaped my life in profound ways but also, unknowingly, helped inspire Tawny Owl Wood. Fittingly, we launched the business on November 6th, a date that holds deep significance—it would have been my grandfather’s 113th birthday. My grandparents, born in the late 1890s, shared captivating stories of a time long past, stories that enriched my childhood and continue to influence me today.

Tawny Owl Wood is more than a business; it’s a legacy of love, imagination, and the timeless power of storytelling—rooted in stories from our own families.

This past year has been a challenging one for me personally. Balancing a full-time job while being a wife and mother has been no small feat. Yet, despite the hurdles, I’ve worked hard to overcome those challenges and move Tawny Owl Wood closer to where it needs to be. I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my family, who have joined me at many of the craft shows we’ve attended. Together, we’ve achieved something truly special: selling over 1,000 books! It’s an incredible milestone that fills me with gratitude and pride.

As we approach 2025, I’m thrilled to share that we have some exciting new releases in the pipeline. One highlight is The Unexpected Guest, a chapter book based on a real life veteran – Mick. Through this book, we are proud to support Blesma – The Limbless Veterans Charity, contributing to a cause close to our hearts.

This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, but the success of Tawny Owl Wood isn’t solely down to me or my family’s efforts in getting the books out there. The heart of Tawny Owl Wood lies in the incredible team that brings our stories to life.

Our amazing editor, Lesley Hart, has been instrumental in refining every story, ensuring each book resonates with readers. And our incredibly talented illustrator, Sarah-Leigh Wills, has transformed my words into the stunning illustrations that define our books. Her artistry captures the magic and emotion of each tale, creating visuals that speak to both children and adults alike.

Without this team—working together seamlessly—Tawny Owl Wood simply wouldn’t exist in the way it does today. Each of us plays a part in weaving the magic that brings these stories to life.

Between now and Christmas, we have an exciting lineup of 13 events to look forward to! If you’re able to catch us at one of these, it would truly mean the world to us if you stopped by to say hi.

Whether you’re a loyal reader or new to Tawny Owl Wood, we’d love to meet you, share our stories, and hear yours too. We love receiving requests for topics for us to include within our books. These events are such a special part of our journey, and your support makes all the difference.

We can’t wait to see you there!

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re filled with excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. We can’t wait to share more stories, connect with more readers, and continue growing Tawny Owl Wood together.

Thank you for being part of our journey so far!