The World of Wimblewick Tales: A Gentle Escape

Over the summer, I took part in the Summer Art Marathon, using my ideas jar for daily illustration prompts. Little did I know that this would be the start of a new adventure — a cosy world called Wimblewick, where open communication and gentle understanding are part of everyday life.

Welcome to Wimblewick — where gentle stories grow.

From babbling brooks and glittering lakes to cool caves and woodlands full of wildlife, Wimblewick is home to a community who nurture the land and take only what they need. You can see this care in Lodelump’s leaf-bound library books and Hollowhide’s foraged preserves in her shop.

This world began with a single sketch — a little forest gnome named Thistlewhim Brambleburr. His personality inspired me so much that I started to imagine where he might live, who his neighbours could be, and what his days might look like. That’s how Wimblewick started to grow.

A world stitched together with kindness and calm.

I’ve always wanted to create a series of picture books about mental health and self-regulation strategies, and Wimblewick felt like the perfect place to explore those themes — safe, gentle, and full of heart.

Each character has their own struggles, but they all play an important role in their community. I wanted to show that anyone can experience big emotions, no matter who they are or how capable they seem.

My own experiences of being seen only through the lens of mental health (rather than as a whole person with strengths, quirks, and creativity), made me determined to create characters who feel fully formed. The emotions in each story are just one part of who they are.

Through cosy, approachable storytelling, my aim is to normalise those big feelings and offer simple, child-friendly tools to help find calm again.

Every tale a tiny adventure in courage and care.

So far, we’ve met Lodelump and Murmle, who explore feelings of depression and anxiety in Lodelump and the Heavy Day and Murmle and the Wobbly Day. In each story, Thistlewhim gently helps his friends navigate their emotions, offering small ways to soothe themselves and build resilience for the future.

That’s really the heart of Wimblewick - empathy, patience, and courage. Thistlewhim listens first, approaches each situation with an open mind, and tailors his gentle guidance to each friend’s needs. And the others show courage by trusting him, trying new techniques, and allowing themselves to feel supported.

As the series continues, you’ll hear mentions of other Wimblewick residents who will have their own stories later on, little hints of adventures still to come.

From forest paths to fox companions — how Wimblewick came to life.

I’ve always loved nature, especially the woods, and often imagine who might live among the trees. The worlds of Winnie the Pooh and Beatrix Potter opened that door for me, and I wanted to create something with that same calm, timeless feeling.

I started by thinking about where each character might live, then sketched out a map of the whole land. Using Campfire, I explored how the inhabitants connect with one another and their surroundings, which eventually shaped the illustrated map you’ll find on the end pages of each book.

A place to return to whenever the world feels too loud.

Creating Wimblewick has given me my own gentle escape when the world feels too loud and my hope is that it offers the same for readers too.

These stories are filled with heart, compassion, and tiny reminders that it’s okay to feel things deeply. I’m so grateful for the love and feedback the series has already received, and I can’t wait to share more of this world with you as it continues to grow.

Over to you:

When the world feels too loud, where do you find your gentle escape?