Graphic designer to publish kids book

AN Astra Park, Winklespruit resident is gearing up to publish her first children’s book, which she wrote and illustrated. Graphic designer, Jennifer Carroll (29), drew a wealth of inspiration from her beloved grandmother and her little son’s prized giraffe plushy and entitled her book ‘Sleepover and Grandma: Gabriel the Giraffe’.

Carroll grew up in Mpumalanga and lived with her grandparents since she was two-years-old. She moved to Astra Park when she was 10. She set out to help children with ADHD who have trouble falling asleep.

Drawing on her own experiences – both she and her six-year-old son have it – through her book she imparts the same calming method used by her grandmother which helped her doze off during her childhood.

 “My grandmother has been my everything. My grandparents live right across the road from me and it’s wonderful having them so close by.”

While she boasts some writing experience from college, where she wrote and illustrated for a project, she also illustrated two poetry books which created a spark in her.

“It was really awesome. A year ago, I started writing and I didn’t tell anyone – my hubby didn’t even know. Once I was done, it was a huge surprise for everyone. It was really emotional for my gran – she was amazed and she cried. The book was inspired a lot by my son, who is in the book, as well as his little giraffe plushy which is his pride and joy.”

Carroll explained that while she had initially studied to be a teacher, she had to go for back surgery and could no longer afford her studies.

“I’ve been through therapy a lot due to my childhood trauma and found a love for psychology during my studies to be a teacher. After the surgery, I couldn’t delve deeper. I lost my job due to it as well and was so mad at my circumstances. I wanted to be able to help children along those lines and I found that I could do so through my books.”

When asked about her hobbies, Carroll jokingly said, “Gaming. I don’t have any other hobbies, I have a six-year-old.”

She went into graphic design as she could only work while lying down. Back when she lived in Cape Town, she had her own business and designed posters. When Canva, an online design suite, came out, she was doing a lot of designing and was encouraged by the people around her to pursue it further. She then delved further and went into a short study into graphic design.

“I’ve been at it for two to three years now. Once I finished my book, I called around for publishers and had put out a Facebook post and The Infinity Tree Publishing House got in touch with me. They have truly brought my dream to life. Jennifer Strachan’s unwavering support and the incredible opportunities she provides for authors are nothing short of extraordinary. I am deeply grateful and honoured to be a part of The Infinity Tree family. They prepared me with questions as to my next book and it really hit me that this is my passion,” said Carroll.

The talented author and illustrator will be celebrating her book launch with a party on March 1 at The Coffee Theater on Rockview Road, Doonside, from 10:00 to 12:00. For more information, email [email protected] or contact 083 304 5970.

This post was originally published on here