From Blue Planet to Bedtime Story

Award-Winning Herefordshire Author & Artist

Brings Ocean Conservation to Young Children

As the natural world returns to the spotlight with the release of Blue Planet 3, a Herefordshire wildlife artist is introducing our youngest readers to a most remarkable bird.

Created from hand painted watercolour illustrations, Albatross follows a hungry Laysan Albatross playing a favourite game, I spy something yummy. But in an ocean increasingly exposed to plastic pollution, not everything is safe to eat…

Through gentle humour and richly detailed illustrations, the story introduces young children to a serious environmental problem, without fear, or losing sight of the extraordinary beauty of the natural world.

Albatross - Available for Pre-Order -

Albatross - Available for Pre-Order -

Pre-Order Albatross

Nature Stories, with Real Impact

“When writing for very young children, I feel it’s important to approach difficult subjects with sensitivity.

I want children to be curious, to care, and to discover that their small actions can make a difference.

Before we can expect children to protect the natural world, I believe we must first give them the opportunity to fall in love with it.

Wild Hearts, Gentle Stories is at the core of my work - helping children fall in love with nature, one animal at a time.”

  • Children learn through picture books - they’re a doorway into the complex world of language and emotions, helping children to understand the world around them.

    They allow children to imagine, and can help them develop empathy, creativity, and problem solving skills, as well as strengthen family relationships.

  • Through detailed watercolour and gentle storytelling, I introduce young children to the wildlife that shares our world - nurturing empathy from the very beginning.

    My animal stories immerse children in nature, encouraging them to play an active role in conservation, and feeding their curiosity of the natural world.

    Children love animal stories - by sharing animal stories with young readers, we help nurture compassion, responsibility and a wonderment of the natural world.

  • Picture books can be fun - the wildlife stories I tell are not only engaging, educational and memorable, but above all… fun and enjoyable for both parent, and child.

    Timeless natural beauty - the beautiful illustrations and animal stories I create will become timeless favourites, handed down to siblings and friends, generation to generation, with favourite characters remembered for life.

  • Every story or piece of artwork I create, starts with observation and research, and ends with something I’m proud to share.

    My picture books don’t just delight little ones, but grown-ups too.

  • From teachers, to animal charities and developers, I work with people who truly care about wildlife, conservation - and doing things right for nature recovery.

    Curiosity and collaboration drives everything I do. If you feel we should work together to make an impact, wish to highlight a declining species that needs attention, or simply want an author visit, let’s talk.

    info@helenegardiner.com

Browse Books

A Beautiful Ocean Story

It all Began with a Little Hedgehog…

Black background with gold text reading "Winner" at the centre, with an open book illustration below and the words "Rubery Book" and the year "2026" at the bottom.

Enter the magical world of our most beloved garden friend, the Hedgehog, in this beautifully illustrated children's book.

Combining a heart-warming story and an educational section, Hedgehog and the Fence is ideal for parents, educators, or anyone who loves nature.

A man and a young child sitting on a red couch. The man is reading a children's book titled 'Hedgehog and the Fence' to the child, who is smiling and holding the book. There are several potted plants in the background.

What parents and teachers are saying…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ M - “Granddaughters loved the story and wNicole anted to look for hedgehogs in the garden.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ricky L - “My three-year-old son loves it , awesome.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amy D, Teacher - “Such a cute book! My very environmentally conscious class of Year 2s loved it.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ James M - “Loved the children's book. If you have kids, this is a must bedtime read.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Marie O - “Beautiful illustrations and lovely kids story.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jan L - “Lovely story and beautifully illustrated. Bought for my grandson who absolutely loves this book. Such a great way to raise awareness of environmental issues for children. Thank you.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Janet C, Teacher - “Brilliant book and delivery. Highly recommended. I’m a teacher, I bought 2. Lovely pictures and story, with factual section at the back.”

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