Jamberoo School’s hall was filled recently with the joyful buzz of children eagerly awaiting a very special surprise to kick off the Christmas holiday: three books following the adventures of a ‘Little Twig.’

Dreams Come True, Never Give Up, and Never Walk Alone are more than just stories– they are gentle guides for life, history lessons, and tales of a kind-hearted community.

Author Chris Beaven, warm, engaging, and wonderfully approachable, shared the inspiration behind Twiggy’s very first adventures. 

Chris Beaven at Jamberoo. Photo: Ella Gunning

“The very first one is, he’s a little twig, and he says he’s going to be a Christmas tree,” she explained.

“The wind knocks him off the tree, but an old lady picks him up, puts him in a pot, and places all her husband’s medals over him.

"So he becomes a Christmas tree, and then she plants him at the top of the hill with other trees.”

Chris went on to describe the broader themes of the series.

“They’re all about history.

"The first story touches on a bit of bullying for the little twig. The second one is all about the bushfires, and the third one is about Covid. They’re all beautifully drawn and help children understand history in a way they can relate to.” 

Through Twiggy’s experiences, children learn about resilience, friendship, and the value of community support.

The stories also showcase the rich life of Jamberoo, featuring villagers who play important roles in Twiggy’s life – farmers, firefighters, shopkeepers, pub owners, butchers, and families.

Each tale is a snapshot of life in the village over the years, capturing events that will one day become history.

Chris also spoke fondly of the books’ wider reach, including her friendship with Greg Page, the Original Yellow Wiggle, who has brought Twiggy’s adventures to life through animated readings online.

“They can go online and watch them,” she said, giving younger children the chance to enjoy the stories with Mum or Dad.

A delightful anecdote highlighted Chris’s unique journey and beginnings as a children’s author.

“The Queen had just had a great-grandchild, and I said to my husband, ‘I’m going to send this to the Queen.’ And I got a letter back from Buckingham Palace saying, ‘Can’t wait to see the next two!’”

Jamberoo School, true to its motto “A Small School, Making a Big Difference,” found Twiggy’s stories the perfect way to teach children about reading, history, community, and kindness.

As Chris Beaven said, her goal is simple: every child at Jamberoo receives these three books, learning about life, resilience, and the power of support– one little twig at a time.