Sarah, Duchess of York, has just released her latest children’s book, Flora and Fern: Wonder in the Woods, and three of her biggest fans—her grandchildren—have already given it their stamp of approval.
This new release marks the start of a series from the best-selling author, who has written over 70 books, including beloved children’s stories Budgie the Little Helicopter and Little Red, as well as the adult novel Her Heart for a Compass.
Illustrated by Denise Hughes, Wonder in the Woods follows Flora and Fern on a snowy woodland adventure as they prepare for a festive celebration. A second book in the series is expected next year.
The Duchess, 65, is the proud grandmother to Princess Beatrice’s daughter Sienna, three, and Princess Eugenie’s sons August, three, and one-year-old Ernest. She’s passionate about sharing the book’s central themes—“the power of community and connection to the world around you”—with her young grandchildren.
The family also eagerly anticipates the arrival of Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s second child next spring, who will undoubtedly join in the family’s love for reading.
Sarah, what inspired Flora and Fern, and how do you approach writing for children?
“The idea for a festive story came from celebrating milestones and special occasions with my grandchildren. I’ve learned so much from authors like C.S. Lewis and J.M. Barrie—I love taking readers on an imaginative journey. I enjoy adding playful details, like a hedgehog waking up from hibernation wearing an eye mask!”
Do you read to your grandchildren, and how do they feel about your latest book?
“August reads Wonder in the Woods every night, and I read to Sienna, August, and Ernie as often as I can. Reading together, especially at Christmas, is precious. Supporting literacy is essential, as 30% of five-year-olds are falling behind expected reading levels, and one in three disadvantaged children struggles to read or write at an expected level by age 11.”
It’s been a tough year, with your second cancer diagnosis. What has helped you through?
“My children, the joy of being a grandmother, writing children’s books, and working on my next novel. Writing is a wonderful escape for me. I use a fountain pen and write in longhand, letting the stories flow. Nature, as with this book, is always an inspiration.”
Sustainability is a message in Wonder in the Woods. How are you instilling that in your family?
“I lead by example rather than by teaching. Growing up in the countryside instilled in me a respect for nature. I want my grandchildren to connect with the natural world, learning to make shapes with leaves and be curious. I feel my generation must pass on a sustainable planet so they can experience the beauty of nature.”
You recently visited New York for your work with Global Citizen Now. What’s next?
“In late October, I’ll be visiting Australia to promote my children’s books and for my work with the Youth Impact Council, which fosters communication across generations and unites future leaders. I’m committed to listening to and learning from the next generation.”
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