About the Author

Where the Story Began

For more than 35 years, Collette has been reading to her children and grandchildren and creating stories that blend imagination, adventure and meaningful life lessons. From bedtime tales shared with her own children to magical stories told to her grandchildren, storytelling has always been at the heart of family life. Collette adored authors such as Enid Blyton, Carolyn Keene and Roald Dahl and of course the much loved book Watership Down by Richard Adams and laterly The Duncton Wood Series by William Horwood. Collette has always had a passion for the written word, and encouraged her children to read and now her grandchildren, and writing these books.

Many of the stories she read to the children were created to spark curiosity, encourage kindness and inspire young minds to see the wonder hidden within everyday life.

The Birth of The Mice of Miss Daisy

The inspiration for The Mice of Miss Daisy came from an unexpected source.

One winter, while Collette's motorhome was tucked away in storage, a family of tiny visitors decided to make themselves at home. During the colder months, the little mice explored every corner, ate their way through all the dry food supplies and settled into the motorhome as though it belonged to them. Making a cosy bedroom in the drawer where she stored her walking boots, and a toilet, comically in the drawer where she stored her underwear and socks next to the bathroom! The mice even found her husbands 'oodie' and decided it would make great nesting material. They truly made themselves at home, and must have invited all their friends to spend the winter months.

When Collette shared the tale with her grandchildren, their imaginations immediately came alive, and they giggled so much she decided she had to put the story onto paper.

What began as a simple story about some mischievous mice soon grew into something much bigger.

With every retelling, the tiny visitors became brave adventurers. New characters appeared. Friendships blossomed. Magical gardens emerged. The mice discovered exciting places, met extraordinary creatures and embarked on adventures that delighted her eager audience.

The more the story was told, the more the world expanded.

Before long, the mice were named after her grandchildren and Darcie, Eva and Oscar had stepped onto the page, joined by her own character Miss Daisy, a wonderful community of garden friends and a growing cast of unforgettable characters.

More Than Just Adventures

At the heart of every story lies a simple belief:

Every creature has value, every voice deserves to be heard, and every friendship has the power to change the world.

Through the adventures of the three mice, young readers discover lessons about kindness, inclusion, communication, nature, community and understanding.

Eva, who communicates through her own unique signs, gestures and expressions, helps children learn that there are many different ways to express ourselves and connect with others. 'Evaton' was formed to engage the young reader into the use of Makaton to encourage them to communicate with children and adults that are also non-verbal.

Alongside Eva, Darcie and Oscar, readers also explore the beauty of nature, discover fascinating places, meet new friends and learn important lessons about caring for the world around them.

The Journey Continues

Today, The Mice of Miss Daisy has grown into a series of enchanting adventures, with three books due to be published and many more journeys planned.

Future stories will see Miss Daisy, Darcie, Eva and Oscar travelling across the country in Miss Daisy's motorhome, discovering new counties, remarkable wildlife, local traditions and wonderful new friendships along the way.

Each adventure invites young readers to learn, laugh, explore and imagine.

Much more is to come, with merchandise to be added, so the reader can really immerse themselves in the world of 'The Mice of Miss Daisy' and share their favourite characters with their friends.

A Personal Welcome

"I hope these stories bring as much joy to your family as they have brought to mine. Thank you for joining Miss Daisy, Darcie, Eva, Oscar and all their friends on their wonderful adventures."

Collette