Warm, richly detailed books for children and adults

Fiona Birrell writes gentle picture books and richly detailed colouring books, from farm-life adventures for kids to Australian outback scenes for grown-ups. Every title is available on Amazon.

The Books

Nine titles so far, with more colouring books on the way.

Cover of Missing Grandpa by Fiona Birrell, showing two boys and Bob the black dog sitting under a big tree feeding birds in the schoolyard

Missing Grandpa

Let's talk about grief - a gentle book for the whole family

When his best friend Jackson goes quiet after his Nanna becomes very sick, a young boy remembers losing his own Grandpa and learns that grief looks…

Cover of Mr Wilson Is My Friend by Fiona Birrell, showing a boy and his elderly neighbour on a park bench watching Bob the black dog chase a blue ball

Mr Wilson Is My Friend

Let's talk about change - and the friendships that last through it

Every day after school, a young boy and his neighbour Mr Wilson walk Bob the dog to the park. Then one evening the boy overhears the word…

Cover of the picture book Going to Grandma's Place by Fiona Birrell, showing children feeding a lamb with their grandmother

Going to Grandma's Place

A picture book about the joy of visiting the farm

Zara, Jay and Leo live in Cairns, a long way from Grandma's farm. So when they finally make the trip, by plane and then by car, there is so much to…

Cover of Mummy Misses Grandma by Fiona Birrell, showing a mother and son eating ice cream in the park

Mummy Misses Grandma

Let's talk about aging - a gentle book for the whole family

Mummy misses Grandma. I heard her tell her friend this morning. But we only saw Grandma yesterday. Where did Grandma…

About Fiona Birrell

Australian author, mother and grandmother, writing gentle picture books and detailed colouring books from her farm in the countryside.

About the Author

Fiona Birrell is an Australian author, mother, and grandmother who lives on a farm in the Australian countryside. Surrounded by animals, wide open spaces, and the simple joys of country life, she finds inspiration in the everyday moments that help children learn, grow, and understand the world around them.

She is the creator of the Let's Talk About… series, gentle stories that help families talk about worry, change, and growing older, and of colouring books inspired by Australia's unique wildlife, landscapes, and country life.

Read Fiona's full bio

What readers say

Every one of these is a real review left by a reader on Amazon.

Different Ways of Grieving

“This is a great little book about dealing with grief in different ways. It helps children to understand big feelings they may have over the loss of a loved one. I think kids will relate to the different ways people grieve with some examples of how to show empathy.”

A Gentle and Reassuring Story About Change

“Mr Wilson Is My Friend handles the subject of change with warmth, honesty, and sensitivity. Children will easily connect with the boy's sadness and uncertainty when someone important to him moves away… This would be a valuable book for families, teachers, and counselors helping children navigate moving, separation, or other major transitions.”

Grandma is still Grandma

“This beautifully illustrated book is a wonderful way to explain the realities of aging to a young child. It shows that no matter how much Grandma ages or how things change for her, she remains deeply loved and missed.”

Dealing With Worry

“It gives the message that it helps to talk about our worries and that we're not alone. This would be a good book for parents and teachers to schedule into their reading time. The illustrations are top notch!”

Four printed colouring pages fanned out: a koala, Uluru, a giraffe on roller skates, and children feeding a lamb

Ten pages to colour, free

A printable sampler from the four colouring books — Australian animals and landmarks, a farm full of grandchildren, and a dragon who plays fetch. Yours to print at home as often as you like.

Get the free pages