Stories rooted in the natural world
Picture books written by Aimee Gallagher, published by Quarto
It Starts with a Bee
Watch a tiny bee bring the world to bloom
Published 2022
Follow a busy bee on a journey through the seasons as it pollinates a wild garden. As the seasons change and the garden blooms into a wildlife wonderland, the bee is joined by well-loved minibeasts and creatures — worms, beetles, spiders, and mice — who make the wild garden their home. A rhyming poem builds page by page, and a beautiful fold-out illustration draws readers deep into the world of the garden. Amazon UK
At the back of the book, additional information about the life of bees and their role in our ecosystem makes it as useful in the classroom as it is at bedtime.
"An essential nature poem for home and school." — Bookwagon
It Starts with a Raindrop
Follow a tiny raindrop as it brings the world to life
Published 2024
An enlightening rhyming story which shows children how a tiny raindrop makes its way on the remarkable journey of the water cycle, bringing life and abundance to the earth. The raindrop flows through rivers, lakes, and streams, falls as snow, surges in tropical storms, and rises back into the sky — a magical cycle that keeps our planet alive. A fold-out ending scene celebrates water, life, and even muddy puddles. aimeegallagher
Additional non-fiction information about the water cycle at the back of the book makes it a perfect companion for early science learning.
"With lyrical poetry and gentle illustrations, this classic picture book explains the water cycle through the journey of a tiny raindrop." — The Bookseller
Why I write for children
Both books grew from the same instinct that drives my painting — a desire to help people notice and appreciate the small things. A bee navigating a flower. A raindrop becoming a river. These are phenomena children encounter every single day, and I wanted to give them poetry and pictures that make those moments feel significant.
Writing in rhyme is its own kind of discipline, not unlike the precision of a detailed painting. Every word has to earn its place.