Books / motherhood
Amazing mums of the animal kingdom featured in new children’s book
A bear making its way to Gabrielle Kuzak’s tent was the inspiration for a new children’s book.
“Whilst camping in Yosemite, a bear appeared, growling,” says the author of Amazing Mums. “I grabbed my penknife and was ready to fight it. In that moment, I knew I would do anything to protect my children, which was good because they were all asleep!
“This terrifying event made me think about the strength and courage of mothers, and the lengths they go to protect their young.
is needed now More than ever
“I was sure there were some amazing stories about motherhood in the animal kingdom and thought how great it would be to bring these stories to life in a children’s book.”
The book is a celebration of mothers throughout the animal kingdom, with Gabrielle saying: “Mothers are often portrayed as soft and cuddly, but they are also incredibly strong and brave.
“Mums, across the planet, go to extraordinary lengths, often sacrificing themselves to protect, care for and bring up their young.”
Gabrielle Kuzak hopes to write more children’s books. Photo: Good Crowd Media
The Clifton-based author hopes the story will inspire mothers and children alike. She collaborated with Eastville-based author Hannah Broadway to create the illustrations for the book.
The two had already known each other for years and, despite the project being a lot of work, Hannah says it has been “a real honour” to create the artwork for Amazing Mums.
“My daughter kept coming to my studio to see what bit I was working on and saying, ‘wow mum, you are so lucky to draw animals all day!’, and when you put it like that, well yup! It’s a pretty jamming gig,” says Hannah, who also sells prints and cards of her art.
She hopes to illustrate more books, as well as commercially creating for brands and short films.
Hannah Broadway lives on the edge of Eastville and St Werburgh’s. Photo: Good Crowd Media
The book, which tells of 15,000 nests orangutan mums can make for her young in a lifetime to mother dolphins, who don’t sleep for a month after their babies are born, is aimed at four- to eight-year-olds.
“That said, I’d also like to say it’s not just all about women and amazing mums,” says Hannah. “I am lucky enough to share my role in parenthood with a pretty amazing dad!
“Maybe that will be the sequel!”
Main image: Good Crowd Media
Read more: Born in Lockdown – raw, honest and inspiring accounts of new motherhood
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