Join Milly as she plays, learns and grows in this vibrant story about exploring

new worlds and the magic of home.

Vikki Conley is an award-winning author with multiple internationally published picture books. She writes children’s stories that celebrate the spirit of wonder, adventure and freedom that she wishes every child could enjoy.

Vikki is a nature lover, intrepid traveler and passionate climber of a 100-year-old mulberry tree that still grows at her childhood home. She writes children’s stories that celebrate the spirit of wonder, adventure and freedom that she wishes every child could enjoy.

Vikki lives with her husband and two children in the leafy artist community of Eltham, Victoria in Australia. Her other books include Ella and Mrs Gooseberry (EK Books) and Tomorrow Girl (EK Books).

Deb Hudson is an illustrator who is passionate about drawing bright, happy and colourful images that evoke emotion and thought in their viewer. Inspired by joy- and wonder-filled dreamy moments of the everyday, Deb has been drawing and creating since she was a little girl. As a child her mother said she was ‘off with the fairies’ in her own little dream world, dancing about in dress ups and talking to imaginary friends.

Deb was previously a teacher, and taught English in Japan for four years. She then studied for a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, and became a mother. She lives in the fabulous city of Melbourne, Australia with her husband, three children, energetic border collie and a bright yellow canary.

Her first picture book, The Golden Thread, was published in 2019. Her other work includes Pear of Hope (2021), published by EK Books.

CBCA’s Reading Time
“Vikki Conley invites us into a nostalgic and whimsical world, where young readers will connect with Milly’s nurturing love of silkworms in her childhood, and how it transforms into her love of silk fabric as an adult.” Click here to read

Story Links
“Children will enjoy the story of the transformation of the silkworms and perhaps, will be encouraged to explore the mini-worlds outdoors. Parents who share the story, may be reminded of their own special “hideaways” and wish to create one with their little ones. An appealing read.” Click here to read

Kids’ Book Review
“A lovely, hopeful and gentle book about the ties that bind and the ways that we can create and nurture traditions in our own families – while keeping home close to our hearts.” Click here to read

Blue Wolf Reviews

“shows the importance of childhood memories, and how they can continue to be important in our grown up lives.” Click here to read more 

Buzz Words Magazine
“holds an inspirational message about the importance of exploring new worlds as we grow, while keeping home close to her hears.” Click here to read more

Your Kids Next Read Podcast
“This is a book really spoke to my childhood, and my children’s childhood because we had a Mulberry Tree. It’s an absolutely beautiful story about growing up, family and coming home.” Click here to read more

Picture Book Club
“A truly special book that celebrates nature, family , exploring new worlds and keeping home close to our hearts.”
Click here to read more

Kids’ Book Review
“Inspired by the 100-year-old mulberry tree that grows in the author’s own childhood garden, this is a book full of heart and joy that will be a delight for educators and families to share, particularly for those with nostalgic memories of mulberry trees!.” Click here to read more

What Book is Next?
A story of growth, belonging, stretching out and sharing. A blend of humankind and nature and how one tree can shape a life of play, beauty, imagination and love, bringing loved ones together again and again, and mould a girl’s then young woman’s identity. Click here to read more

The Pregnancy Centre
“Any young readers who like playing outdoors or have their own special hideaway will delight in the vibrant illustrations, the playful prose, and the memories Milly makes under her beloved mulberry tree.”