I wrote Cosmogull: ​ Mummy and Daddy’s Cosmic Adventure after one of those proper long days — you know the ones. Noise everywhere, dinner drama, toothbrush battles — and by the time bedtime finally arrived, I felt like I’d completed the final boss battle.

When I sat down to read to my kids, I realised something: I didn’t just want a bedtime story to tick a box — I wanted one that rolled off the tongue, made them smile, and quietly said, “I love you… let’s wind things down.” Something that actually helped us shift gears.

That’s where this book began.

The rhyme and rhythm bring a bit of calm — the kind that helps everyone breathe again and think, okay… we survived today.

But I didn’t want the story to be too calm, because real family life isn’t like that.

So there are playful moments — gentle sounds, small surprises, bits kids can join in with if they’ve still got energy buzzing around. Some nights my kids act the whole thing out; other nights they’re half-asleep on my arm by page three. Both are fine. Both are real.

I wanted something that works either way — calm enough when they’re tired, lively enough when they’re not — and still brings everyone back together before bedtime.

By the final page, you get that little reset — a peaceful close to the day, ready for the next round of magic tomorrow.

And then, just as the lights go off…