Hannah Walker self-publishes children’s book ‘Dear Mum, I Love You’

A high school project has turned into a Fraser Coast entrepreneur’s first published children’s novel and the ambitious businesswoman has no plans of slowing down.

Hannah Walker with her mum Tanya (left). Photo: Contributed.

At 16-years-old, Hannah Walker captured the attention of her Year 12 English teacher when she submitted her final piece of assessment.

The former St James Lutheran College student was told that her assignment was so good that it should be published into a book.

Now at 20-years-old, the Fraser Coast woman has self-published the heartwarming story into a children’s book called, Dear Mum, I Love You.

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Ms Walker has spent the past three years investigating the self-publishing process and said her younger self would have been “mind blown” to know she could publish her own book.

She also owns an online jewellery business, XO Hannah, which she sets up at the Urangan Pier Markets on weekends.

“I finally started to believe in myself and starting up my business helped that as well, so I was like, you know what, my dreams really are possible, I can achieve this,” she said.

Ms Walker also works full time in social media marketing for Fraser Coast Tourism & Events.

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For the Year 12 assignment, the students had to write about something meaningful and that inspired them.

“My mum was always that person, so I thought I would dedicate it to her,” Ms Walker said.

The 18-page children’s book, illustrated by Fraser Coast artist Tinneale Fairey, uses animals to display a mother’s love.

There’s also a section where readers can put in a picture of them with their mums and write about why they love them.

Hannah Walker's book 'Dear Mum, I Love You'. Photo: Contributed.

Although the target audience is children Years 3-6, Ms Walker said the book is for everyone.

“I’ve got friends my age ... giving it to their mums because it’s just so different and you can add your own personalisation in the beginning of the book,” she said.

Ms Walker said her mum Tanya was “so happy and proud”.

“She is over the moon,” Ms Walker said.

“I wish I recorded her reaction when I showed her the hard copy.

“Mum is my best friend, my number one supporter and any troubles I’ve got, I go to her.

“Without a doubt she is always there for me.

“It was ... to show how grateful I am of her support and love and to express that she makes my world better every day.”

Ms Walker is working with the Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor George Seymour to organise copies for Fraser Coast libraries.

“I think it is important for young locals to see that it is possible to live in a small town and have big dreams which is why self-publishing this book was so important to me, and I think my 16-year-old self would be proud,” Ms Walker said.

The talented writer is also working on sequels, Dear Dad, I Love You and Dear Grandma I Love You.

“Hopefully it’s going to be published and ready for purchase before Father’s Day next year,” she said.

Dear Mum, I Love You is available via Ms Walker’s website or at her market stall on Saturdays at the Urangan Pier Park Market from 7am-12pm.

Originally published as Hannah Walker self-publishes children’s book ‘Dear Mum, I Love You’