Lucy O’Farrell-Follos
Lucy O’Farrell-Follos has spent her career at the heart of education, from the creativity and challenge of the classroom to strategic leadership roles within schools and universities. With experience spanning from hands-on teaching to leadership, she has always been driven by one goal: to create environments where people can thrive. Away from her professional life, Lucy finds joy in the outdoors; time spent with her horses and in the quiet of natural surroundings offers a welcome balance to a busy life. She values the sense of calm and perspective that comes from the natural world, changing seasons, and the steady rhythm of life in the countryside.
Her first book, Welcome, Little Penguin, was born during her own journey into motherhood. Soon after her daughter was born, Lucy set out to write something that would nurture early development, and create a vehicle for warm and reassuring moments between carers and children. Rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework, the story uses rich, meaningful language designed especially for babies aged up to one year old, all wrapped in the warmth of a gentle, joyful narrative.
The inspiration came from Lucy’s understanding of how young children are drawn to animals, particularly the high-contrast appeal of a black-and-white character, and from her belief that it takes a village to raise a child. Each character in the story represents the different people who care for and influence a baby’s world, reflecting the love and community that surrounds new life.
Lucy hopes Welcome, Little Penguin will strengthen bonds, spark connection, and offer moments of calm joy for both reader and child. Whether read at bedtime, during quiet afternoon cuddles, or shared with family and friends, she hopes it will become part of the rhythm of those early days, and leave a sense of belonging that lasts long after the book is closed.
