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.
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
Vignettes and the importance of faffing
Do you love to “faff” at home? Faffing comes from “faffing about”, and means “to spend time in ineffectual activity” – so I guess that may be a little like wasting time…… Except I totally disagree. So today I am redefining faffing to mean, “spending mindful time putting pretty things together to see what they…
Read MoreMemories and Holding On
Are you a ‘hanger on-erer’? Some people would call it hoarding, or collecting, and I agree that there is a fine line between all of these things. But I have some things I hang onto for a variety of important and valid reasons. I am a very emotional person and have strong connections via photos,…
Read MoreBone Broth, Quitting Sugar & The Whole Pantry full of lies
Today we woke up to 2 pieces of news that resonated deeply with an issue I have been brewing my bones on for ages – those who create cults out of false or twisted claims, and then line their pockets while they continue to suck people in. The Whole Pantry debacle is just the tip…
Read MoreThe Basics of Using Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan
Have you tried Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan yet? I have been using it for a few years now and it is a staple of my DIY projects. It is so versatile. You can read a basic how to use Chalk Paint post here. I have had a lot of readers asking me about…
Read MoreDeckstool: Recycled Skateboard Furniture & Homewares
Did you used to, or do you skate? I was a pretty dedicated roller skater as a child and young teenager and can still remember the feeling of freedom once I got out of the eye of my dad and could skate with all the safety gear off! We also made regular trips to the…
Read More