From Sketchbook Pages to National Treasure
- Nat Bannerman
- Nov 3
- 2 min read
There are moments in a creator’s journey that make you stop, smile, and feel a quiet kind of pride. For me, one of those moments came when a small, bean-shaped story of mine found its way into one of the most prestigious places in Australia: the National Library of Australia.
Last week, I hand-delivered a legal deposit copy of You Can’t Rush Friendships, the first book in the Magbean!™ series, to the Library. That means Magbean!™ is now officially part of Australia’s national collection, preserved for generations of readers, dreamers, and little beans everywhere.
From Idea to Creation
Magbean!™ started in a sketchbook with tiny characters, gentle humour, and big-hearted stories about friendship, kindness, and embracing who you are. Each bean-shaped character carries a piece of my world, the joys, the struggles, and the little moments of discovery that shaped the series.
Turning those sketches into fully illustrated pages was only the beginning. Every story, every illustration, and every heartfelt message in Magbean!™ has been crafted to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and emotional literacy for children. The journey from doodles on a page to a finished book has been full of learning, creativity, and love.
A Moment to Celebrate
Delivering a copy to the National Library is more than a formality. For me, it is a recognition that these stories belong to the broader tapestry of Australian literature. It is a moment that reminds me why I tell stories: to connect, to inspire, and to leave a little piece of myself for future readers.
From a sketchbook idea to the shelves of the National Library, it feels amazing to know that kids, families, and teachers across Australia can now access Magbean!™. Honestly, it is a dream come true.
What’s Next?
The adventure does not stop here. Magbean!™ continues to grow, with more books, characters, and joyful stories coming soon. While this milestone is something to officially celebrate, the real magic happens every time a child flips through the pages and sees themselves in the world of Beanpie Island.
For those who want to join me and the kindest crew this side of the island, Book 1, You Can’t Rush Friendships, is available now. Every purchase helps support neurodivergent creativity and ensures more stories can be shared, preserved, and loved.
Key Takeaways
Creativity begins small, sometimes in a simple sketchbook.
Stories have the power to connect and inspire.
Achievements like entering the National Library are milestones worth celebrating.
Magbean!™ is a story about inclusion, kindness, and being unapologetically yourself.
✨ Step into the world of Beanpie Island and Own Your Bean™ today! ✨
With beans of gratitude and a heart full of stories, Nat 🌈 Creator of Magbean!™
& Founder of Zosimos Curra ®
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