About the Book

“Brown Suitcase” is the heartwarming first installment in a three-book children’s series, drawing inspiration from author Sarah Gradwell’s own childhood experiences. This touching narrative explores the complexities of fostering and blended families through the eyes of two young girls.

Synopsis: The story introduces us to Tilly, an only daughter with a younger brother named Jack. Tilly’s world is about to change as her family prepares to welcome a foster child into their home. Excitement mingles with nervousness as Tilly contemplates sharing her space and belongings with a stranger.

Enter Lucy, a shy, younger girl transitioning from the foster care system into what could become her forever home – Tilly’s home. Lucy arrives with her prized possession: a brown suitcase containing all she owns, a symbol of her past and her hopes for the future.

As these two girls from different backgrounds come together, readers witness the delicate dance of forming new bonds. Tilly’s curiosity and acceptance are met with Lucy’s apprehension and protective nature, creating a nuanced portrayal of the challenges and rewards of blending families.

Themes and Impact: “Brown Suitcase” is more than just a story; it’s a gentle exploration of:

• Strength and courage in the face of change
• The beauty of diversity within families
• The power of compassion and forgiveness
• The formation of lasting bonds and unconditional love

This book offers young readers a window into the world of foster care and blended families, promoting understanding and empathy. For children in similar situations, it provides validation and comfort, showing that their experiences are recognized and valued.

Target Audience: While written for children, “Brown Suitcase” resonates with readers of all ages, particularly:

• Children in foster care or blended family situations
• Families considering fostering or adoption
• Educators and social workers
• Anyone interested in diverse family narratives

Unique Value: Sarah Gradwell’s personal experience as part of a foster family lends authenticity and depth to the narrative. By addressing complex emotions and situations in a child-friendly manner, “Brown Suitcase” fills a crucial gap in children’s literature, offering a tool for families, educators, and counselors to discuss important topics of family dynamics, acceptance, and love.

As the first in a series, “Brown Suitcase” sets the stage for a larger exploration of blended family experiences, promising a continuing impact on young readers and the broader conversation about modern family structures.

What am I raising funds for?

My Journey: From Personal Challenge to Community Impact

Growing up in a blended family presented unique challenges. From fostering new connections with children, only to watch them leave as quickly as they arrived, to facing social stigma surrounding our family dynamics, these experiences shaped the woman I am today. Through years of therapy, I’ve found healing and peace, transforming my struggles into a story of strength and hope.

“Brown Suitcase”: A Tale of Resilience and Love

I’m proud to share “Brown Suitcase,” a children’s book that encapsulates my journey. It’s a story of:

• Strength and courage in the face of change
• Unity and diversity within families
• Forgiveness, compassion, and lasting bonds
• Overcoming social stigma surrounding blended families

Our Fundraising Goal: Spreading Hope to Regional and Rural Communities

Your support will help us:

1. Publish “Brown Suitcase” and bring this important story to life
2. Provide free copies to disadvantaged regional and rural communities, where resources and representation are often limited
3. Conduct free author readings in these communities, fostering connection and dialogue

Why This Matters:

• Regional and Rural areas often lack access to diverse literature and resources for blended families
• Personal storytelling and representation can significantly impact children’s self-esteem and family dynamics
• By sharing this story, we can help reduce stigma and increase understanding of diverse family structures

Your Contribution Will:

• Help publish a book that fosters new connections through shared experiences
• Unite communities in welcoming openness and diversity
• Provide support to others who want to share their own stories
• Work towards releasing blended families from social stigma

Join us in this mission to spread understanding, empathy, and hope. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families, starting with those in our regional and rural communities who need it most.

Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal. Thank you for being part of this journey of healing, sharing, and community building.

How will the funds be used?

What Your Support Will Fund

1. Publishing “Brown Suitcase” with Starfish Bay Publishing (Australia)
   • Refundable advance payment to secure publishing rights; refunded amounts will then go back into delivering free copies and author visits and readings to disadvantaged regional and rural communities
   • Collaborative editing process to finalize the manuscript
   • Professional illustration services
   • Printing costs for hardback and e-book versions
   • Marketing and promotion efforts (nationally and internationally)
2. Regional and Rural Communities Initiative
   • Providing free copies of “Brown Suitcase” to disadvantaged regional and rural communities
   • Funding author visits and readings in these communities
   • Supporting outreach programs to connect with regional and rural schools and libraries
3. Series Development
   • Securing first-choice editing rights for the next two books in the series

Why Starfish Bay Publishing? After receiving numerous contract offers, both nationally and internationally, I chose Starfish Bay Publishing for their:

• Open and honest approach
• Transparent and timely communication
• Understanding of the importance of telling my story accurately
• Clear contractual terms

Starfish Bay’s impressive track record includes:

• Several national and international award-winning children’s picture books
• Distribution in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Japan, Korea, The Philippines, Mexico, South Africa, and most European countries

Your impact by supporting this project, you’re not only helping bring “Brown Suitcase” to life but also ensuring it reaches those who need it most. Your contribution will help foster understanding, provide representation, and offer support to blended families, particularly in underserved regional and rural areas.

A Thank You Gift, as a token of our deep appreciation, EVERY DONOR will get a shoutout on our social media pages where you/your business will be tagged and sharing enabled so you can share your generosity far and wide. Your belief in this story and its potential impact means the world to us.

Join us in this journey to share a story of resilience, love, and the beauty of diverse family structures. Together, we can make a lasting difference in children’s lives and promote understanding in communities far and wide.

About the Author

Sarah Gradwell, first-time author and single Mum to a bubbly and outgoing 10-year-old boy, began her writing journey while seeking counselling for unhealed and unresolved emotional wounds. When speaking of her childhood, Sarah’s counselor recommended she start journaling her thoughts and feelings to begin the healing process. What grew, and fast, was her concealed passion for writing.

Sarah is a full-time social worker, flower hobbyist, and self-confessed Lego fanatic. One of seven children, Sarah grew up in a big, loving, adventurous blended family. At the age of 9-years-old, Sarah’s life changed forever with the arrival of her first foster sister. Fast-forward to today, her growing blended family now includes her own son, a long line of nieces and nephews, and a handful of in-laws.

This rich tapestry of experiences has inspired Sarah’s debut book, Brown Suitcase, which explores the complexities of family dynamics in blended households. Drawing from her background in social work and her personal journey of growth, Sarah’s storytelling aims to provide insight and support to others navigating similar life experiences.

Sarah is seeking support from discerning investors who recognise the potential impact of her narrative. With your backing, this book has the capacity to reach individuals struggling with similar issues and offer them hope and practical strategies for healing. Join Sarah in bringing this meaningful literary project to life and making a difference in readers’ lives.