Legend of the Lighthouse Moon by Dr Helen Edwards
The Rebels of Mount Buffalo by Helen Edwards endorsment by Andrea Rowe, award-winning author of Jetty Jumping
The Rebels of Mount Buffalo by Helen Edwards endorsment
Cape Willoughby Lighthouse
Sea Lions at Cape Seal Bay Kangaroo Island

Welcome! My name is Dr Helen Edwards. I'm an Adelaide-based children's author who weaves diverse stories of nature, magic and history.

I'm represented by Golvan Arts Management for my literary works and by Lamont Authors for school bookings.

My debut middle-grade novel, The Rebels of Mount Buffalo, is out now with Riveted Press, distributed by Simon & Schuster.

With a neurodivergent main character and an inspiring real-life mountain guide from the 1890s, it's a captivating time-slip tale in which a girl lost to grief meets a daring rebel on a misty mountain who guides her to rediscover her courage and find her way home.

It was recently longlisted in the DANZ - The Diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Children's Book Award. This award has been created to recognise, award, and celebrate diverse children’s fiction. This means a children’s book published in Australia or New Zealand which 'pushes boundaries, challenges stereotypes, and celebrates diverse and marginalised people and communities.'

You can order your copy from me here and from Riveted Press here . It's also available in many bookshops and libraries. If you can't find it in your local bookshop or library, just ask them to get it in for you!

See more about The Rebels of Mount Buffalo here.

My next middle-grade novel - Legend of the Lighthouse Moon - is coming in November 2024 with the fabulous Riveted Press

I absolutely love this story about 13-year-old Mona McKenna, a girl living in 1970 with type 1 diabetes in an island lighthouse, featuring the stunning backdrop of Kangaroo Island and the gorgeous and endangered sea lions, as well as drawing on the true history of Cape Willoughby Lighthouse. As usual, I'm weaving nature, plenty of magic, and true history to create a very special and diverse story that's full of heart and wonder, inspired by my grandmothers who were both born on islands in the UK, the legends from these regions and my life growing up with type 1 diabetes. With thanks to Arts SA for supporting this project.

Cover reveal, blurb, pre-order details, and more details for Legend of The Lighthouse Moon are coming soon!! Sign up to the newsletter to keep up to date with details on release dates, pre-orders and events.

You can book me to speak at your school, library or event here. I am available for virtual and in-person events and workshops. Find me at Lamont Authors here.

A Little Bit About Me!

I have a PhD in Psychology and before becoming an Australian children's author, I worked in mental health for many years. I've done all sorts of things in my life, including founding an award-winning charity and online counselling service, supporting thousands of people with diabetes across the world. I was even a state finalist in the Australian of the Year Awards for this work!

After completing my PhD in Psychology, I decided to follow my life-long dream to become a children's author and here I am! I'm passionate about inspiring action for our beautiful, fragile planet and nature features in all of my books. I find history fascinating and uncover stories that may have been forgotten, or hidden, and bring them into the light. I also believe that fantastical things can happen and see magic in the everyday.

More about me here.

Sign up to The Story Weaver for all the latest details about my own books, book reviews and recommendations, and more. More info about bookings for author talks and workshops available here.

x Helen

Latest From My Blog

Why You Must Be Comfortable in Your Own Skin

By Helen Edwards | September 25, 2015

I have had one of those weeks, well maybe a little longer than a week. You know the ones that hit after you have had extremely exciting news and then, as time passes, you start to wonder if it really happened? Being told I am a state finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards was…

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Why You Should Get Up Early and See the Sunrise

By Helen Edwards | September 20, 2015

Are you an early riser or someone who hits the snooze button numerous times before finally crawling out of bed? It does not matter what you prefer, that is totally cool but today, I am asking you to try something tomorrow that will make an impact on your wellbeing & your day. Today’s task is…

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sheep at the Royal Adelaide show

Why You Should Visit Your Local Agricultural Show

By Helen Edwards | September 18, 2015

Do you go to your local agricultural or royal show? We recently headed to the Royal Adelaide Show which is an institution in South Australia, and firmly entwined in my memories. These start as a child going to the show with my parents back when the show bags were real free sample bags and the…

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7 Reasons Why Thrift Shopping is Good for You

By Helen Edwards | September 9, 2015

Shopping in second hand, thrift or op shops (opportunity shops) is becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. Are you a thrift or op shop lover like me? I have grown up wandering through second hand and vintage shops, so for me it is second nature. I remember when my dear darling friend…

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Why I Broke Up With Alcohol & Said Hello to Sunday Mornings

By Helen Edwards | September 6, 2015

When is the last time you had a drink? We went for a drive on Sunday, and it ended up with us talking with the kids about alcohol and driving safety, and got me thinking about why I broke up with alcohol and said hello to Sunday mornings. Australians are huge alcohol consumers, but you probably already…

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A Letter To The Ones Who Are Hurt, Hiding Or Lost

By Helen Edwards | August 27, 2015

Last weekend I attended the annual Pro Blogger conference, which is where all the bloggers from around the country come together to talk about all things pro blogging – funny that! But so much more than that, more than any other conference I have ever been to (and there have been many), this event moves…

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3 Reasons Why You Need to Smile at a Stranger Today

By Helen Edwards | August 7, 2015

Are you a stranger smiler? I always feel like I need to smile at someone as I pass them in the street. If I don’t, or I avert my eyes, I always feel, well, wrong. There have been many times where the other person has averted their eyes, or even worse, just stared at me…

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10 tips for decorating in small spaces

10 Tips For Decorating in Small Spaces

By Helen Edwards | August 4, 2015

Are you stuck for space at your place? Despite that being a lovely rhyme, it is not so lovely when you are trying to work around a cramped room or home. Small can be cosy, lovely and very practical. Huge spaces, while often on our dream home list, can be hard to decorate and can…

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Andrew Baseman Design, Perfectly Imperfect Antiques & Beautiful Interiors

By Helen Edwards | July 24, 2015

I have a very exciting business feature for you this week, Andrew Baseman, an American designer who founded his design firm, Andrew Baseman Design, Inc. in 2003, after working for more than 20 years as a designer, decorator and stylist. He opened his own design business after producers kept asking him to design their own…

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1st Place Winner
Individual Project Grant 2023
Individual Project Grant 2023
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Recipient Richard Llewellyn Deaf and Disability Grant 2021
Recipient Richard Llewellyn Deaf and Disability Grant 2021