Stan Has a Plan

As both a children's picture book author and a qualified primary teacher, I’ve found that each role deeply enriches the other. In the classroom, I get to witness firsthand what captivates young minds—their sense of humour, their curiosity, the rhythms of their language—and I carry that insight into my writing. When I sit down to create a story, I’m not guessing what children might enjoy; I’m drawing directly from the voices and reactions of my students.

At the same time, being an author gives me a creative outlet that fuels my teaching. I can bring my own stories into the classroom, which excites the kids and makes literature feel more personal and alive. It also models for them what it means to be a creator—not just a consumer—of stories. Seeing their faces light up when they realize their teacher is also a writer is incredibly rewarding.

Ultimately, both roles allow me to celebrate childhood in its many dimensions, and I feel lucky to nurture young imaginations from both sides of the page.