Meet Alex Brooks: The Storyteller Behind Our Trail with a Tale!
Date published: 22 November 2024
We’re thrilled to introduce Alex Brooks, a local children’s author and mum of three, who’s bringing a special kind of magic to our Trail with a Tale.
Known for her playful yet meaningful books like Why, oh why, am I a Crocodile?, Insects, Bugs & Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Why, oh why, was I born a Fly?. Each of her books explores essential themes like belonging, identity, and self-esteem, offering young readers not just entertainment, but important lessons in self-acceptance.
Alex is creating original stories for the sculptures on the Trail with a Tale.
She shares, “Each story is inspired by the charm and character of the animal sculptures, as well as by the children and families I imagine enjoying the trail.”
Each story on the trail will spark curiosity and engagement, allowing families to connect with the trail and the important cause it supports. Alex’s vision is to make each child feel seen and celebrated through her stories, and she is thrilled to share this journey with Demelza.
Alex’s writing journey
Alex’s journey to becoming a children’s author is as unique and heartfelt as her stories. A mum of three—Gus, Teddy and Lola—Alex’s background includes several years working with children, which sparked her imagination and inspired her first story, Ant and Feather. “I was sitting by the pool at my parent’s home in Spain,” Alex recalls, “when I saw an ant carrying a feather. That tiny scene ignited my love for writing, and I haven’t looked back since.”
Her big breakthrough came when she collaborated with illustrator Hannah on Why, oh why, am I a Crocodile?, which became a hit with families and led to another joint project, Insects, Bugs & Rock ‘n’ Roll. Though she and Hannah eventually parted ways, Alex continued her work with Claudia Zavala, creating Why, oh why, was I born a Fly?
“Writing for children brings out the best in me. I love crafting stories that are as fun as they are meaningful. Seeing kids laugh, learn, and find joy in my books is what keeps me going.”
Collaborating with Demelza
This year, Alex is proud to work with our charity that delivers care and support to children facing serious or life-limiting conditions across Tunbridge Wells, Kent, East Sussex, and South East London. B
“Demelza is such an incredible organisation. I’m excited and honoured to have been asked to write the stories their trail with a tale.” Alex Brooks
Demelza’s services range from practical support and symptom management to therapies, end of life care and bereavement support. They also offer accessible facilities including a large hydro pool for all the family to enjoy.
Hayley Richardson, Deputy CEO at Demelza said: “We are delighted to have Alex onboard with our Trail with a Tale project.
We know the magical stories she is creating for each of our sculptures will really bring the trail to life for children as well as helping them feel seen and celebrated.
Everyone at Demelza is excited about the trail and bringing something new and family-friendly to Tunbridge Wells and having a local author supporting us is the perfect partnership.”
Join the journey
There will be a chance to meet Alex later next year once the trail launches. More information to come!
More about Trail with a Tale
Over the summer of 2025, impressive large and smaller animal sculptures designed by local schools and community groups will form a unique, family-friendly outdoor trail for all ages to enjoy. Our stunning sculptures will shine bright around Royal Tunbridge Wells, bringing together the community for an event they will not forget!
Small sculptures – adopted and decorated by schools, colleges and community groups will also join in on the fun as part of our learning programme, whilst businesses have the chance to sponsor a sculpture themselves!
Connect with Alex
Website: www.alexbrooksauthor.com
Instagram: @alexbrooksauthor
Hop to it
We’d love to hear from you. For more information about how to get involved please contact: info@trailwithatale.co.uk
Stay in the know and follow us on instagram and facebook @trailwithatale
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