Celebrating Unique Journeys: Nat's Story

Mum and Nat share a joyful moment

I’ll never forget the moment Nat held the proof copy of their first book. The look on their face, a mix of pride, wonder, and quiet excitement said it all. This wasn’t just paper and ink. This was years of dreaming, drawing, and growing. Years of challenges, creativity, and courage bound into one vibrant, bean-shaped book.

The Early Days of Creativity

Even before Nat could talk, they could draw.

We noticed it early on. While other kids were learning to form sentences, Nat was already filling pages with characters and shapes, doodling in the margins. Drawing became their language, their outlet, and their way of making sense of the world. It wasn’t just a hobby; it was how they connected with everything around them.

Understanding the Diagnosis

In Year 5, Nat was diagnosed as autistic. While this brought clarity, it also introduced a new world of learning for all of us. From Year 6 onwards, Nat began receiving much-needed support. This period marked the start of understanding Nat's unique way of seeing and experiencing life.

It hasn’t been easy. Making friends, reading social cues, and managing sensory overload have all been challenging for Nat. For years, they lived mostly in their imaginative world. But that world was rich, colorful, and full of potential.

I remember Nat's very first homemade book, inspired by Pokémon characters, created when they were just eight years old. It was stapled together with pencil illustrations and wild imagination. I saved it, knowing that storytelling was instinctively part of who they were.

Sketching a character in their trusty sketchbook

The Birth of Magbean!™

Now, years later, those imaginative worlds are taking shape in a whole new way through Magbean!™, a series Nat has both written and illustrated from scratch.

Set on the whimsical Beanpie Island, the books explore themes like friendship, identity, and kindness. They feature characters that mirror Nat’s own journey and the life lessons learned along the way.

The beans may be fictional, but the heart behind them is very real. Each story reflects important lessons about patience, understanding emotions, and finding one’s place in the world. These are not just stories for children; they come from someone who has navigated these experiences and figured them out in their unique way.

Watching Nat Flourish

As a mum, seeing Nat transform their life experiences, both the difficult moments and the beautiful ones, into something meaningful for others brings immense pride. I’ve watched them work hard, not just on their books, but also on themselves. They are building their tolerance for sensory sensitivities, learning to navigate social spaces, and staying true to their values as a young autistic creative. Nat continues to grow in both quiet and extraordinary ways.

What This Proof Copy Represents

"You Can't Rush Friendships" teaches patience in friendships.

This proof copy, even with its “Not for resale” strip, signifies much more than just a milestone. It represents the potential that arises when we embrace our differences. Nurturing what makes our kids unique allows their dreams to flourish.

So here’s to the beginning of something special. To stories that celebrate differences and acceptance. To a child who has discovered their voice and is now using it to help others find theirs.

As we share this journey, I invite you to explore the heart and creativity behind Magbean!™. Your support means the world to us as we continue this adventure.

Thanks for being an essential part of this journey. We are just getting started!

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