“Be Proud That You Are You!”: Nicola A Lewis Reflects on Tilda’s Latest Adventure

Tilda’s Journey in the Jungle by Nicola A Lewis is a beautifully rhythmic and heartwarming picture book that takes readers on a vibrant adventure through the jungle, but it’s not just about wildlife and wonder. This gentle rhyming story is also a celebration of self-acceptance, friendship, and the magic of being proud of who you are.

With its soft storytelling voice and uplifting message, Nicola’s third Tilda adventure reminds young readers that everyone has something special to offer. We caught up with Nicola to learn more about the inspiration behind this latest chapter in Tilda’s journey, and what she hopes readers will take from the quiet confidence of her gentle little hero.

This is your third Tilda book. What made the jungle the perfect next step in her journey?

It was really about the message I wished the book to convey. I thought about the vast amount of animals in the jungle of all shapes and sizes and how each one has a great value to the dynamics of our planet and their immediate families.

The jungle therefore became the perfect setting to create Tilda’s new adventure and I could visualise the book as being bright, colourful and exciting.

Each Tilda story shares an important emotional theme. What personal message did you want to explore through this jungle adventure?

The all-important message in this story is ‘To be proud that YOU are YOU!’. So much pressure and negative energy evolve from wishing to be like someone else nowadays that I hope each jungle animal and, of course, reader realises through Tilda how incredible and important they already are.

The mix of creatures - from fairies to frogs - gives the jungle a magical feeling. How did you decide who Tilda would meet along the way?

I chose characters/animals that would also educate young readers as to what these jungle animals can or can’t actually do. For example, a chimpanzee cannot actually swim but can climb trees. A green crested lizard can indeed walk on water. Of course Tilda and her friends, whom she made in the first book, Tilda Finds Her Rainbow, will always accompany her on new adventures.

Tilda always brings gentle wisdom to her stories. Has your relationship with the character evolved as you’ve written more about her?

I hope Tilda is the glue to my stories, and it is through her empathy that I can make my message feel real. I am glad that her wisdom could bring some fun facts to this particular story.

How do you keep the rhyme and rhythm feeling so natural across each new adventure? Is it something that comes easily to you?

I love writing in rhyme. Sometimes it will take a few days to get a particular sentence or paragraph correct, as I feel it is very important to use words that tell the story and not just use any word just because it rhymes.

Was there a particular moment in this book that felt especially meaningful or fun to write?

I enjoyed every minute of writing this book. I can’t think of just one particular moment.

Many of the animals Tilda meets face worries of their own. What inspired those different emotions and how she helps with them?

I think the inspiration came from my original idea of feeling proud to be yourself. We all have insecurities and lack self-worth at times. So I hope that the animals' worries can demonstrate this and a positive vibe to have self-belief and recognise what you are good at is created from reading this story.

Outside of writing, what’s something that brings you calm or joy, like a “jungle escape” of your own?

A large mug of tea always does the trick! Also my garden that is featured in my up-and-coming chapter book brings me calm on a daily basis. As a retired event rider, horses will always bring me joy!

Tilda Finds Her Rainbow

What kind of feedback have you had from readers about the Tilda books so far, and what does that mean to you as an author?

Tilda's Sweet Dreams and Goodnight

Tilda has and continues to make an impact, and I have received wonderful feedback for all of her adventures. TILDA-I-TUS apparently is a good thing to catch!

Where can readers connect with you and keep up to date with Tilda’s continuing journey?

Readers can discover more about Tilda and the characters on social media platforms under Little Literature World. My website is regularly updated with information on awards, new stories, and short videos about the characters.

Discover more at www.nicolaalewis.com.