Train of Thought

Jess Horn is an Australian children’s author, passionate about empowering kids and sparking imagination. Her stories are full of humour and heart, often exploring the world from a neurodivergent perspective. With a background in speech pathology and disability services, Jess now pursues her love of words by weaving in a subtle message of inclusivity, encouraging readers to think outside the box. Jess lives with her rainbow family-of-four in Sydney, Australia. Aside from writing, she enjoys coffee (who doesn’t?) and spoonerisms (doo husn’t?!).  Hayley Wells is an Essex-based illustrator with an MA in Children’s Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art. Their work has been shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards, featured on television, and published worldwide. When they’re not illustrating, Hayley can be found growing vegetables at their allotment or falling over on roller skates.

‘Train of Thought is both entertaining and insightful, encouraging reflection and resilience in young minds. A thoughtful, conversation-starting addition to classrooms, libraries and homes, especially for children with vivid imaginations and wandering thoughts.’– Books + Publishing‘There are so many didactic picture books about kids who struggle with self-regulation or have challenges such as ADHD, but [Train of Thought] is not one of them. The writing takes such a creative approach to exploring daydreaming and self-awareness. I loved the way it externalises internal experiences without judgement or instruction. This would be great for any families who want books that open conversations about attention, focus, and the many different ways minds work.’– Karys McEwan, CBCA committee