New mums hatch plan to create children’s story

Women turn their wonder at becoming parents into a tale for youngsters

Young mothers in Fife have turned their worries and wonder at becoming parents into a delightful tale for their children.

Ellie’s Egg was hatched by mums in Lochgelly, with the help of poet Leyla Josephine, illustrator Kate Charter and artist Hazel Darwin-Clements.

The book, which tells the story of a hen and her newly-laid egg, has been published and was read by its creators to children at the town’s Sunflower Family Nurture Centre.

The women spent weeks taking part in creative activities to inspire, write and illustrate the story, which reflects the anxieties, vulnerabilities and wonder of new parenthood.

The Expecting Something project, run by Starcatchers in the Lochgelly Centre, connected artists with mothers under the age of 25 and their babies.

Lead artist Hazel said: “Expecting Something is all about creating a safe space where these young women can tap into their creativity and grow in confidence.

“Ellie’s Egg started as a conversation about how the group sometimes felt marginalised and that their tastes and interests weren’t reflected in the arts.

“They wanted to make something for their peers and came up with the idea of publishing a book.

“The group is always filled with personal stories about being pregnant, giving birth and the highs and lows of becoming a new parent, which is such an intense, life-changing experience. These wove their way into Ellie’s Egg.”

One of the sessions involved a ball pit filled with poetic words, rhyming games and a huge ‘gathering drum’.

Picture book writer Debi Gliori gave a talk about her career as a children’s author, and the women coloured in sketches by Kate laid out on the floor.

Rhona Matheson, chief executive of Starcatchers, said: “Expecting Something provides a weekly safe space for young mothers to spend time with their babies and peers whilst engaging in artist-led creative activities.

“Our hope is that this sustained engagement with arts and creativity will help empower these young parents, boost their confidence, and help them forge new relationships and develop strong bonds with their babies.”

Expecting Something provides a weekly safe space for young mothers to spend time with their babies and peers

Mums Suzanne Murray, Kayleigh Campbell and Chelsea Wright, seated from left, with young book worms and artist Hazel Darwin-Clements.