CHILDREN’S books often focus on whimsical adventures and happy endings, but Bayside resident Megan Forward has taken a different path.
Her latest work, Millie and Her Magic Puppet Show, delves into the complexities of family conflict and separation, offering young readers a compassionate yet honest perspective on a challenging topic.
Rather than relying on metaphor, Ms Forward was drawn to the story’s direct approach.
“I’m always struck by how much more capable children are of discussing deep concepts than we often give them credit for,” she said.
“Millie and Her Magic Puppet Show doesn’t shy away from the impact of family conflict and gives real hope and a voice to children in this situation without ‘fixing’ everything.”
The book was written by Darren Mort, a family law barrister, and features a series of thought-provoking questions by clinical psychologist Olivia Mort to help children process their emotions.
Illustrating such an emotional topic was both a challenge and a privilege for Ms Forward.
“I spent time sinking into Millie’s emotions as I read the text and imagined her inner world as the story unfolds,” she said.
Locals can find Millie and Her Magic Puppet Show at The Mad Hatter’s Bookshop, Little Gnome, and The Collective Store.
