Following my conversation with children's author Ruth Don Shevlin, I found myself reflecting on the meaning of creativity.

Is it something reserved for artists and musicians, or is it woven into the everyday moments of family life?

In this episode, I explore how imagination grows through lived experiences, relationships and play. Inspired by Ruth's stories and supported by the work of Sir Ken Robinson and Lev Vygotsky, we consider how baking, gardening, storytelling, making and sharing memories are all creative acts that shape children's lives.

A gentle reflection for parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone who has ever wondered whether creativity is much closer than we think.

Learn more about Ruth Don Shevlin and her books at Ruth Don Shevlin Children's Books

Where do stories come from?

In this episode of Stories from the Mat with Jan, I talk with children's author and illustrator Ruth Don Shevlin about the childhood memories, family experiences and everyday moments that inspired her writing.

From the story behind Rebecca's Dream That Wasn't to the origins of Esmeralda and the Lollipop Tree, Ruth shares how imagination, creativity and a lifelong love of children shaped her journey as an author.

Along the way, we discuss storytelling, teaching, illustration, photography, puppet shows and why some of the most memorable children's books begin with the ordinary moments of family life.

To learn more about Ruth Don Shevlin and her books, visit Ruth Don Shevlin Children's Books.

Before confidence... before skills... there is wonder.

Following my conversation with children's author Julie Ball, I found myself thinking about the quiet moments that so often become the beginning of learning.

A gecko hiding behind a cinnamon broom. A butterfly in the garden. A child who notices something the rest of us walk past.

In this reflection, I explore how curiosity, imagination and a sense of wonder develop through noticing the ordinary rather than searching for the extraordinary. Drawing on Julie's experiences, together with the work of Alison Gopnik and Rachel Carson, we consider why children don't always need us to teach them wonder—they may simply need us to make space for it.

A gentle reflection for parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone who believes learning begins with curiosity.

Learn more about Julie and her books at Julie Ball's website

How does a tiny gecko become the hero of a children's story?

In this episode of Stories from the Mat with Jan, I talk with children's author Julie Ball about the inspiration behind Tucker the Gecko and the Cinnamon Broom and why curiosity is at the heart of childhood.

Julie shares how years spent as a nanny, teacher and lifelong lover of nature shaped her writing, and why she believes children learn best when they are free to notice, explore and ask questions about the world around them.

Together we discuss storytelling, imagination, illustrations, bravery and the importance of helping children build a lifelong connection with nature—one small adventure at a time.

To learn more about Julie and her books, visit Julie Ball Author.

Before children become confident learners, how do they become confident in the first place?

Following my conversation with children's author Laura Strachan, I found myself reflecting on the quiet power of familiar stories.

Children often ask to hear the same book again and again. As adults, we sometimes wonder why. Yet perhaps every return to a favourite story helps build something much deeper than literacy. It builds confidence.

In this episode, I explore Laura's observations alongside the work of Jerome Bruner, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Roberta Golinkoff and Todd Rose, reflecting on how children learn through repetition, relationships, conversation and shared experiences.

This is a gentle reflection for parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone who believes that learning begins long before a child walks through the school gates.

Children's author and former teacher Laura Strachan joins me for a conversation about stories, imagination and what children teach us when we take the time to listen.

We explore her journey into writing, the inspiration behind her books, the importance of illustrations in storytelling, and why familiar stories continue to delight young readers. Along the way, Laura shares insights from her years working with children and reflects on how creativity, kindness and curiosity help shape confident young learners.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, aspiring author or simply someone who loves children's books, I hope you'll enjoy this thoughtful conversation.

To discover Laura's books, visit Laura Strachan Books.

Following her interview with children's author Linda Murphy, Jan reflects on one simple but profound question:

What does enough really look like?

Inspired by Linda's picture book Olli's Cave of Treasures, this episode explores gratitude, value, financial literacy, confidence and the quiet lessons children—and adults—discover through stories.

Drawing on Linda's experience as a former accounting teacher, together with reflections on Carol Vorderman's work in financial literacy and Todd Rose's research on individual learning, Jan considers how stories gently help children develop confidence, curiosity and an understanding of what truly matters.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about children's learning, storytelling and family life, we'd love you to subscribe and join us for future episodes.

In this episode of Stories from the Mat with Jan, Jan is joined by children's author and former accounting teacher Linda Murphy, creator of Olli's Cave of Treasures.

Linda shares her journey from accounting and education into children's publishing, and explains why she believes stories are one of the most powerful ways to help children explore gratitude, value, financial literacy and the idea of "enough."

Together, Jan and Linda discuss reading aloud, confident learners, curiosity, and how picture books can open conversations that stay with children long after the final page.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about children's books, parenting and learning, we'd love you to subscribe and join us for future episodes.

As this first series of Stories from the Mat, with Jan comes to a close, I find myself returning to where it all began.

What learning feels like before five.

Over eight episodes we've explored confidence, stories, readiness, repetition, relationships and the ordinary moments that shape childhood. And perhaps all of those conversations have been leading us towards the same idea.

Children are not simply learning facts.

They are learning what learning feels like.

In this final episode of Series 1, I reflect on the themes that have emerged throughout the journey and explore what we are really building when we help children feel safe, curious, confident and connected.

Because those feelings may stay with them for a lifetime.

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Sometimes the most important moments don't look important at all.

A child helping in the garden.
Feeding a pet.
Setting the table.
Helping tidy up.

These moments may not look educational, yet they are often where some of the most important learning takes place.

In this episode of Stories from the Mat, with Jan, I reflect on how children develop confidence, responsibility and a sense of belonging through ordinary family life.

Drawing on personal stories, the work of Urie Bronfenbrenner and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, and years of watching children learn, we explore why childhood is built not only from special occasions but from the thousands of everyday moments in between.

Because learning isn't just about information.

It's about becoming.

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