Before you were here

The road to conceiving a child is often far from straight forward. It can involve many grey days and a longing like no other.

This story is inspired by the many people out there who have been on that journey and wanted nothing more, than to have their very own family.

It provides a wonderful platform to pause, share and connect, and let little ones know they are a dream come true. With words that speak from the heart, and lovingly hand drawn watercolour illustrations, it is guaranteed to make both the big and little people in your life feel all mushy inside.

'I used to look up at the sky, and find the biggest, brightest star.

I'd ask for it to find you, and bring you to me, from afar.'

Think universe gazing, butterfly belly explosions, and fairies dancing. Think animal high-fives, hoola-hooping, tea parties, and party hats. A journey of celebrations, dancing and singing leading up to a very special day – the day a little miracle entered the world.

Before You Were Here has been thoughtfully written and illustrated by two Mamas who live in the sunny Nelson / Tasman region of New Zealand, and are hugely passionate about spreading love to the little ones.

Recommended for children 1-4 but loved by all ages.

~ Words by Livvy Buys

~ Illustrations by Bec Brown

~ Published in 2021

~ 28 pages of lovingly hand drawn original watercolour illustrations

~ Glossed cover 350gsm

~ 157gsm FSC Certified eco-friendly paper with colour printing

~ Unisex characters for both girls and boys, and their Mums or Dads

~ Dedication page perfect for gifting

~ Size: 210mm x 235mm

What age range are your picture books most appropriate for?

We recommend these are most suitable for children aged 1 – 4, but as they contain loving messages, they can be enjoyed by all ages. We have been told of instances where a mother has given My Wishes For You to her 19 year old son as he ventured off on his big OE. Likewise, we were told of a friend that gifted In a World Full of Magic to a teenager who was going through a rough patch; to remind her of all the beauty that existed in the world, and how she was so very loved. 

They are beautiful books to read to your children to remind you (both the little and big people!) of this incredible thing we call love.

Are your books written and illustrated in New Zealand?

Yes, the ‘spread the love’ series of picture books has been written and illustrated by two Kiwi Mums who reside in the Nelson/Tasman area. Both Bec and Livvy are incredibly passionate about slowing down and cherishing moments with their children.

Are your books gender neutral and suitable for single parented families?

Yes. Both the wording and illustrations in these books have been intentionally designed to be inclusive and suit a wide range of people (because every family looks different, right?!).

The characters purposefully remain unnamed and are unisex. We also made the characters a different animal (bear and bunny) to signify that we don’t have to look the same (or be blood-related) to love one another. These books area suitable for girls, boys, mums, dads, adoptive parents, stepparents, godparents, single parents, gay parents, and special friends alike!

What is the difference between the three picture books?

All three picture books are very similar in style; intricately drawn watercolor meets whimsical and adventurous rhyme, which makes them a perfect set for gifting. They all demonstrate just how very loved children are, yet they each have their own unique tale. 

My Wishes For You ~ leads the audience on a star-filled adventurous journey of wishes for your little one. 

Before You Were Here ~ is about the journey of longing and anticipation while waiting for a very special arrival. These has been particularly popular for families that have faced a long and difficult road to conceiving. 

In a World Full of Magic ~ leads the readers through a clever tale of the five senses demonstrating how extraordinary this little thing we called love really is.