After interviewing Nicola about Rosie’s book in the last blog, it is also wonderful to share all about her children’s picture book series, The Adventures of Compost- Compost the Cat and Compost at the Zoo.
How did the book come about?
The Adventures of Compost grew from a very real place. When Nicola was younger, a family friend had a cat called Compost. Like many children, Nicola loved writing stories, but those early ideas never quite found a way to become something more.
Years later, everything changed. Nicola could no longer work in a children’s day nursery due to long Covid. During that period of loss and adjustment, Compost the Cat was born again—this time as a literary character. Writing became a way to reconnect with creativity, purpose, and the joy of storytelling.
Nicola has always had a strong interest in disability and inclusion, shaped in part by her own lived experience of disability. It was important to her that these values were reflected in the stories. That’s why both books focus on disability, inclusion, and friendship—showing children that everyone is different, everyone belongs, and kindness and understanding matter.
What do readers learn from the book?
Readers learn that everyone is different—and that those differences are something to be respected and celebrated. Through Compost’s adventures, children are introduced to ideas of disability, inclusion, and friendship in a warm, accessible way.
The books help readers understand that some people (and animals!) may move, communicate, feel, or experience the world differently, and that this doesn’t make them less capable or less worthy of kindness. Instead, it shows how patience, empathy, and listening can help friendships grow stronger.
Most of all, readers learn that it’s okay to be yourself. Compost shows that you don’t have to change who you are to belong—you just need understanding, compassion, and a little curiosity about others.
What is next for the author?
Nicola is continuing to develop The Adventures of Compost series, with more books planned that expand Compost’s world of kindness, curiosity, and inclusion. Future stories will introduce new characters and situations that gently explore disability, difference, emotions, and friendship, helping children see themselves and others reflected on the page.
Alongside her work as an author, Nicola continues her role at Taylor & Wood Publishing, an established self-publishing house committed to inclusive, meaningful storytelling. The publishing house supports a range of creative projects, working with authors to bring thoughtful, accessible books into the world—particularly those that champion underrepresented voices and real-life experiences.
Together, Nicola’s ongoing writing and her work with Taylor & Wood Publishing show a clear commitment to stories that matter: stories that comfort, include, and empower readers of all ages.
www.theadventuresofcompost.co.uk
More to Books 