Found: A Treasure from the Beginning

When I posted a photo of Nat’s very first book, a little story I’d found while cleaning out the garage, someone commented, “That’s so awesome! What a precious memory to have kept and now found.” And they were absolutely right.

The book is called The Totodile Adventure. Nat wrote and illustrated it when they were about 7 or 8 years old. It was based on Pokémon characters, filled with bright drawings and a full storyline from start to finish. Even then, Nat had a natural feel for storytelling, they created a proper adventure with a beginning, middle and end. Seeing it again after so many years took my breath away.

I still remember Nat crouched over an old wooden chest, totally focused, sketching away for hours on end. That chest was their little creative desk back then. I wish I had taken photos of those moments, but I guess those pictures are now burned into the beautiful memories I hold close and carry with me.

When I showed the book to Nat, their face lit up. It brought back so many memories, not just for them, but for me too. As a parent, watching Nat grow through creativity has been one of the most moving things to witness.

Each time I look at my child, I am in awe. They’ve managed to use art to get through some of the toughest times they’ve had to face. And now, they’ve become the sweet, loving, giving, and absolutely amazing teen I’m so proud to know.

The Totodile Adventure may have started as just a fun project in a quiet moment, but looking at it now, it feels like the very first spark in what would one day become Zosimos Curra.

If you’ve ever kept a drawing, a scribbled story, or a little handmade book from your child, hold onto it. One day, it might just become a piece of the bigger picture, the one they didn’t even know they were painting yet.

Debi, proud mum of Nat | Supporter of Zosimos Curra™