Local teacher fulfils dream with new children’s book

Turning her love for storytelling, art, and simple pleasures into a delightful children’s book, Busselton teacher Kate Jones released her self-written and illustrated debut last month.

The Adventures of Miss Mouse: A Cake for a Picnic combines Kate’s Australian roots with her English heritage, creating a story as warm and inviting as freshly baked treats.

Born in Narrogin’s red dirt country but influenced by English family ties, Kate wove both worlds into her sweet story and illustrations.

While the book possesses a cottage-style charm reminiscent of classic English tales, she added local touches for a more “homely” feel.

“I included characters like the Potoroo because they’re endangered here, and they’re trying to reintroduce them back in Rottnest and down south near Denmark.

“And I’ve incorporated seasonal southwest flowers to create a connection to the region.”

At its heart, Miss Mouse’s tale celebrates life’s simple pleasures.

“It’s just a humble little story about a mouse making a cake for a picnic.

“It doesn’t all go well, but she gets help from her friends. I wanted to share the concept that taking things slowly and finding pleasure in small everyday things is a sustainable way of being happy.”

This philosophy reflects Kate’s own approach to life.

“I don’t have a super glamorous life – I drive a car that’s nearly 20 years old! But I really like a happy, simple life. Rather than thinking, ‘I can’t be happy until…’ It’s about appreciating what’s around you.”

The concept for her cosy book began years ago during Kate’s time in Paris, where a three-month au pair position turned into eight years abroad.

Living in a tiny apartment while studying patisserie, she found herself sketching scenes of the countryside she missed.

“The early illustrations, like one of a mouse on a bicycle wearing a straw hat, came from a daydreaming drawing session where I wished I were.”

Though she didn’t study art formally, creativity has always flowed through Kate’s life.

“I studied English and creative writing – the ultimate degree for not having a proper job, hence becoming a nanny!

“But I was always drawing, always keeping a diary, and always scribbling! It’s just my nature and how I move through the world.”

Holidays at her aunt’s English cottage provided early creative inspiration for Miss Mouse’s adventures.

“That was really grounding for me. I’d go for walks and gather ideas.”

As the project grew, she found ways to fit in drawing time whenever she could, especially during school holidays.

“I would draw for hours and hours, knowing I wanted to finish this project; however, life kept presenting new challenges.”

The book’s journey faced several pauses: moving back to Australia during COVID, completing a master’s degree, and establishing herself as a teacher.

“The difficult thing was prioritising creative work when there was so much else going on.

“Moving to Busselton was partly about finding that space to invest in this dream. Creative projects need so many pieces in place to maintain momentum.”

With her story and illustrations complete, Kate faced her next challenge: bringing Miss Mouse to readers.

Self-publishing presented challenges but offered creative freedom.

After receiving encouraging feedback yet no offers from publishers, she found inspiration in an unexpected source.

“I discovered Beatrix Potter self-published her first book! I thought, ‘You’re an excellent role model, Beatrice, thank you!'”

The process required attention to every detail.

“It’s not just drawing or writing something – it’s digitising it, formatting, checking colours in trial prints. I can see why people want publishers, but this way, I had full creative control. For what it is, I’m very proud of it.”

Now teaching locally and helping her husband run Tandem Espresso café in the heart of Busselton (where she puts those patisserie skills to use), Kate brings her passion for reading to local classrooms.

“I have a real thing about getting kids to love reading. It’s such a gift to give them. Writing my own stories was a natural evolution – you tend to write about things that touch you throughout your life.”

And she understands how stories connect with young minds.

“Last year, as a pre-primary teacher, we grew strawberries and watched their life cycle. When kids are very young, that’s all new to them. Having the recipe in the back of the book for them to have fun and bake with their friends helps them relate reading to their world.”

Receiving messages and orders for her book through Instagram has been especially moving.

“I’m getting messages from people who love the artwork and want to buy the book, which is really touching because they’re total strangers.

“Others are sending me pictures of their kids reading it, and they love it! It’s so fulfilling to have created something entirely based on your own vibes and to have people be warm and receptive to it. It’s very surreal but so amazing!”

Kate’s advice for others with creative dreams?

“Absolutely do it! It’s the most nourishing experience you can give yourself. If you have the instinct to do it, don’t hesitate.

“I think the world needs people to be themselves, and if that self is creative, in whatever way that it is, that’s a wonderful thing!”

Find Kate’s book at Viva Books, Busselton and Dunsborough libraries, or hop over to TweedsmereCottage on Etsy.

Follow Kate’s creative journey on Instagram @tweedsmere or visit tweedsmere.wordpress.com.