Natalie Jayne Stead

I started off as an illustrator as i love drawing and creating whatever is in my head , I feel it is a type of meditation , soothing the mind through drawing unusual worlds and creatures.

The universe had other plans for me as 2 year ago i found a little dog while on holiday in Barbados, she was in a really bad way but i was in love , i guess it's what they call love at first sight. We eventually found a vet who would be able to help on a Sunday .

They weren't sure if she would make the night , she was on a drip and I had to go away and pray she would live . I promised her that day if she did make it through I would always love her . Well she completed my life for nearly 2 year in the UK till she went to heaven to see her friends again .. We wrote the Washi book a true story of her and how staying positive will bring you true love and happiness. I didnt think I would ever write a book now I am bitten by the bug.

I have had several book signings including Waterstones , they are so kind and loved little Washi. She was on the radio , well I was but she was on my knee . She has featured in magazines pick me up and chat , she was on good morning barbados tv teaching people to care for their animals . Also as I made her a little Yorkshire girl she was in the newspapers here e g the Telegraph and Argus.

I feel blessed to have found Washi , i found a real angel that day and have a paw print stamped on my heart .

I have since wrote Barry and his bottom burps, a cheeky little dragon who didnt fit in, till he found his crowd and stood out .

Also fru fru and sparkles is ready to be published.

All of my books have a slice of my life in transformed into a fairy-tale.

I hope you love what I write as your support means the world to an author/ illustrator.

My dream is to help more animals abroad and start the charity Washi's wish . So watch this space on new books how to love and look after animals.