From Big Feelings to Bean-Shaped Friends: My Journey as a Young Creator

Hi, I’m Nat — the autistic author and illustrator behind the Magbean!™ series and founder of Zosimos Curra™.

At 16, I decided to create something I wish I had when I was younger: stories that made kids like me feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Stories that were gentle and funny. Stories that could help kids understand feelings, friendships, and the importance of being kind — to others and to themselves.

The idea for Magbean!™ came from my own experiences. Growing up neurodivergent hasn’t always been easy. I’ve dealt with bullying, anxiety, and the constant feeling that I didn’t quite fit in. But instead of staying silent, I began to draw. To write. To dream up a colourful world where every character was different — and that was something to be proud of.

That world became Beanpie Island.

I didn’t give my ANU Psychology Fair talk with a microphone in hand — but I still found a way to share my voice

It’s the home of Magbean!™, a bubbly bean with big feelings and even bigger ideas. Each book in the series introduces a new bean character and explores themes like inclusion, empathy, emotional resilience, and growing at your own pace. Book 1, You Can’t Rush Friendships, is all about learning that it’s okay to take your time — especially when it comes to connecting with others.

Creating this series helped me find my voice in a way that felt true to me. I’m not a public speaker, but I am a storyteller. And that counts.

Through Zosimos Curra™, I hope to share these stories with families, educators, and kids everywhere — especially those who think or feel a little differently. There’s space for every bean here.

Thanks for being part of the journey.

💛 Nat Founder of Zosimos Curra™ and proud creator of Magbean!™

www.zosimoscurra.com.au