6 Good Picture Books To Help Introduce a Sibling
Welcoming a new baby to the family? Find a list of books to help the soon-to-be big brothers and big sisters prepare for their new role!
April 25, 2026
Artist Kasey Rainbow – From Chaos to Colour
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My Creative Journey as an Author & Artist
Hi friends! I’m Kasey Rainbow, an author, artist, lover of colour and all round chaotic creative. And yes, it is (Rainbow) my real surname.
My creative journey hasn’t followed a straight line.
I didn’t step neatly from a fancy degree into art and publishing nor did I wake up one day with a perfectly mapped-out career.
Instead, my path has been shaped by:
🌈curiosity,
🌈resilience,
🌈mental health challenges, and a
🌈deep desire to create something bright and meaningful in the world.
Finding My Way Back to Creativity
Navigating Post natal depression
Creativity has always been part of me, but for a long time, I didn’t see it as something I could truly build a life around. Like many people, I thought art was something you did ‘on the side’, not something you could fully claim as your purpose.
However, after the birth of my daughter in 2015, I found myself at the bottom of the deep dark hole that is post natal depression. I began seeing a psychologist who helped me navigate through my (then current) situation as well as my past trauma. This process ignited something in me and that feeling of ‘purpose’ grew stronger and stronger until I could no longer ignore it.
BIRCHY'S books - let your kids become the author & illustrator with:
My First Steps as a Self-Published Author
sharing my truth
This is where my journey truly began. I decided to write and illustrate a book for children, that would gently introduce them to the notion of mental health, whilst also empowering them to be whoever they wanted to be. As new parents on minimal income, I did not have the funds available to do this myself, so instead I launched a Kickstarter campaign. This gave me to opportunity to crowdfund the book, but it meant I had to tell my truth – a truth that hardly anyone knew.
It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it came with great reward. I successfully raised the funds (and then some!) to self publish ‘When I Grow Up’ and was showered with love and support. I was able to not only sell thousands of copies of my book to parents, but I was also able to donate more to schools and libraries AND raise funds for BeyondBlue.
Do you have an idea for a book but not sure where to start? You can watch Laura’s FREE webinars on Getting Started with writing a children’s book!
Self-publishing a book for new mums
In 2018, I self published my second book, this time funded completely on my own.
‘Big Love: Little Book’ was a collaborative project between myself and 30+ other women I had connected with online, it was a collection of stories, experiences and affirmations for new mothers.
It was another success, and this time I was able to raise over $7,500 for PANDA and still to this day I receive messages from new mum’s telling me how my book saved them.
Self-publishing taught me a lot. Not just about the practical side of making books, but about trusting my voice, backing myself creatively, and taking brave steps without waiting for permission.
Those early books were seeds.
Everything that came after, grew from them.
Art as Healing and Purpose
Living with mental illness
I’ve lived with mental illness since I was 18, and for many years it felt like something I had to quietly carry. Art became an anchor for me; a way to process difficult feelings and bring light into dark spaces when I needed it most.
Over time, my creative work became about more than making something pretty. It became about creating something helpful and healing.
I began to realise that colour, whimsy, and storytelling could be powerful tools; not just for expression, but for connection, comfort, and hope.
The Birth of Kutopia
a place of colour, kindness & emotional growth
During the COVID-19 pandemic, like so many others, I struggled. My anxiety grew louder, the world felt heavier and I felt incredibly lonely yet still found myself craving softness and escape.
So I started drawing myself some little friends.
Each one had a personality. Each one carried a strength. And slowly, they began to belong to a world: Kutopia, a magical place where every critter has a unique “sparkle,” a positive characteristic designed to help children recognise their own inner strengths.
Kutopia became a place of colour, kindness, and emotional growth, built from the belief that even in hard moments, there is always something bright within us.
Bringing Kutopia to Life Through Books
Traditional publishing deal
One of the most surreal and joyful parts of my journey has been seeing Kutopia grow into a traditionally published picture book series with Scholastic Australia.
📙 Kindness Rocks! (Kutopia #1) introduces Leo the Leopard, who learns that kindness isn’t always easy, but it is always powerful.
📙 Pride Oasis (Kutopia #2) follows Luka the Lion as he learns that being different isn’t something to hide — it’s something to celebrate.
📙 Kutopia #3 coming in 2026!
These books carry the heart of everything I care about: emotional resilience, self-belief, compassion, and the magic of discovering your own sparkle.
Collaboration, Community & Living Bright
healing with colour
Beyond books, my art has expanded into textile design, creative collaborations, and a community of people who connect with my message: that colour can be healing, and creativity can be a lifeline.
What began as a personal coping tool has become my mission; to help children (and adults) feel a little less alone, a little more hopeful, and a little more empowered to shine.
Looking Forward
your inner sparkle matters.
My journey is still unfolding. Kutopia is (hopefully) still growing. There are more stories to tell, more characters to meet, and more opportunities to remind people that their inner sparkle matters.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
✔️ You don’t need permission to create.
✔️ Your story matters.
💫 And even in the darkest moments… you can still live bright.
This article has been kindly written by Australian Artist & Author – Kasey Rainbow.
To learn more about Kasey, you can check out her website and socials below. Thank you for being part of The Indie Author Diaries, Kasey!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission.
Meet Kasey Rainbow
... and yes that is her real last name 
Kasey Rainbow is an Australian Author and Artist who has collaborated with many well known brands including; Peter Alexander, Maxwell & Williams, Nakie, Officeworks and even Lego! Ultimately – Kasey contributes a large part of this professional success all from her having a go at self-publishing a children’s book back in 2017. This is when she truly put not only her art but also herself out there. But! I’ll let Kasey tell her story to you…
The Indie Author Diaries
If you’re interested in sharing your self-publishing story for our Indie Author Diaries blog series, get in touch today!
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