Author-Illustrator Bio
Hello! My name is Olivia Conlon, and I am as aspiring Canadian author-illustrator based in Windsor, Ontario. Working primarily in watercolor, my illustrations complement the rhyming, lyrical flow of my writing, shaped by my musical background and love of storytelling. Raised by an artist and spending my childhood exploring her garden, I developed a deep curiosity for the small creatures and wonders of nature which have inspired the stories in my Stories from the Garden series.
After completing my Bachelor of Education at the University of Windsor and working in the school system, I realized how formative those early experiences were in teaching me patience, growth, and teamwork. With a passion for emotional literacy and fostering a love of reading among Canadian youth, I created this series to inspire children to explore storytelling, social-emotional learning, and the quiet lessons that nature offers.
What Inspired Me
From an early age, I was captivated by the world around me. When I wasn’t painting alongside my mother in her studio, I was outside in the garden, observing plants, insects, and small animals. I would create stories in my mind about their secret lives, how they view myself and my mom and the world they live. These experiences shaped my creativity and became the foundation for this series.
As an educator, I’ve seen how children rush through life, often disconnected from the natural world. With increasing urbanization, the opportunity to engage with nature has diminished. Stories from the Garden gives children a chance to slow down, notice the small wonders around them, and learn from the gentle wisdom that nature provides. Each story invites young readers to listen, observe, and discover the magic in the everyday.
