Guest Post: Claire Thompson On Inspiring Young Readers With Real-Life Kid Stars

As soon as I dived into the world of picture books, I knew I wanted to write true stories. And not just any true stories—stories starring amazing real-life kid heroes changing the world.

Kids who stood up, shook things up, and never gave up. Young activists, artists, eco-warriors, entrepreneurs, inventors, rock stars, and scientists.

But why did I want to write these stories? I’m a former journalist, and my favourite part of that job was, of course, the storytelling. Ordinary people can be extraordinary, and extraordinary people can inspire us to believe in the impossible, push boundaries, and change the world.

True stories can be just as incredible, sometimes even more so, than fiction. Through these remarkable stories, I wanted to inspire young readers with tales of kids just like them while celebrating a diverse range of experiences.

Now more than ever, it is vital that kids see themselves reflected in the pages of the books they read. When young readers meet characters who share their experiences, dreams, and challenges, they feel seen. They feel valued. They may even discover a new hero.

Yes, the young heroes in my books are changemakers. But they’re kids too.

Lily Born in Lily the Inventor has a grandparent with Parkinson’s Disease and uses her love of inventing to help him by creating a spill-proof cup.

Young Angus Copelin-Walters in Croc Candy has dyslexia, joining around 1 in 10 young Australians. He turns it into his superpower, using his different thinking to innovate and build his candy business giving all profits to charities.

In Abbie’s True Colours, Abbie Jane has a tough time at school. She feels scared, alone, and different. So, Abbie decides she must be the change and gives away free, pride-coloured beads for shoelaces—a small act with a huge message.

Abbie gives away her shoelace beads so that people looking down will see a rainbow, a symbol of safety, love, and acceptance. A young kid spreading a message of kindness who has now given away 320,000 pairs of her rainbow shoelace beads around the world.

Abbie's True Colours Fair Day with the creators

I often get asked where I find my true kid stories. They are everywhere. So many kids are out there doing wonderful things, climbing their own mountains, large or small, but all important.

Kids have no limits. They can be brave, curious, and achieve great things. But sometimes, fear and self-doubt get in the way. I hope kids who read my books are empowered. I want them to know that no matter who they are, or where they come from, they can make a difference.


Claire is an Australian children’s author with a passion – and nose – for sniffing out true stories to empower and inspire. Driven by her background in journalism, real young people with extraordinary tales sit at the heart of Claire’s books.

Pitching her first book idea to a publisher at 12 years old, she proudly received a hand-typed response encouraging her to keep following her dreams.

Following dreams is a theme running through all of Claire’s books. Her two new picture books, Croc Candy, and Abbie’s True Colours are out now.

 Follow Claire on Instagram or get in touch with her via her website.