Finding inspiration in kids books

The Ring Tailed Lemur, with its piercing orange eyes and vibrant blue fur (because why not?), is proudly proclaiming, “I’m an Uncommon Animal.” This shirt isn’t just for kids, though I must say it looks particularly charming on tiny humans. It’s for anyone who wants to embrace their inner oddball and show off their love for the wonderful world of uncommon creatures. For me, they represent playfulness and individuality, which is what this t-shirt—and my entire Uncommon Animals kids book project—is all about.

What book are you reading right now?

Nothing. I don’t have time to read. Between finishing my kids book, homeschooling, parenting, planting trees, raising ducklings and closing down our café gallery, my likelihood of curling up with a good book is precisely zero. But then, on reflection, that’s not entirely true. I am, in fact, reading something: The Railway Kitten. Every night. To my kids.

Not that it’s helping anyone sleep. It’s a heartwarming tale (or so the blurb promised) about a kitten who is adored by all but needs lifesaving surgery. Instead of drifting off, they’re grilling me nightly: Will the kitten be okay? Spoiler alert: I have no idea, but I can’t skip ahead because they’re watching me like hawks.

So, what does this have to do with being a thriving artist? Here’s a couple of things.

Lessons from The Railway Kitten: The Power of Crowdfunding

The crux of the book’s plot is that this beloved little furball can only be saved if the community rallies together to raise funds for surgery. Sound familiar? That’s right—it’s crowdfunding. And as a thriving artist (or one trying to thrive without losing my mind), I see parallels between the kitten’s plight and the artist’s journey.

Crowdfunding has become a vital tool for artists tackling big projects. You’ve got a dream, a vision, or an idea that’s too large for your own wallet to handle? Crowdfunding lets you ask your community—the people who love your work as much as my kids love that fictional kitten—to support you.

Much like the kitten, people don’t just fall for the art itself; they connect with the story behind it. They want to know there’s a living, breathing person with dreams, struggles, and an occasional bout of imposter syndrome behind that painting, book, or mural. If you let them in, they’ll want to help.

People Support People (and Kittens)

This is why letting yourself be known as an artist—not just your art—is crucial. If the kitten was just another nameless, faceless animal wandering the tracks, would the townsfolk have rallied to save it? Probably not. It’s because they knew it. They’d seen it scamper around the station, curl up next to passengers, and generally charm its way into their lives.

As artists, we need to do the same. Share your process, your struggles, your inspirations—even your failures. Build a connection. People want to support other living beings, not just faceless creations.

Inspiration Can Come From Anywhere

And that brings me back to The Railway Kitten. Did I expect to find a lesson on running a successful crowdfunder in a children’s book? Absolutely not. But inspiration has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you’re least expecting it. Maybe I’ll even think about launching a crowdfunder for my next big art project. Though hopefully, I’ll find a way to do it without leaving my supporters in kitten-like suspense.

Until then, I’ll keep reading this emotionally fraught story, pretending I’m doing it for my kids and not for the oddly profound entrepreneurial wisdom it’s imparting.

Lesson of the day: Crowdfunding works, kittens are manipulative geniuses, and inspiration is everywhere—even when you’re too busy to read.