Unveiling Tilda’s Adventure: Nicola A. Lewis on the Heartwarming Journey of Tilda Finds Her Rainbow

Tilda Finds Her Rainbow is the heartwarming debut children's book from Nicola A. Lewis, introducing young readers to the adventurous and curious spirit of Tilda. Set against a backdrop of colourful landscapes and gentle life lessons, the story follows Tilda as she sets out on a journey full of wonder, friendship, and the promise of discovery.

With its lyrical storytelling and charming illustrations, Nicola’s debut captures the magic of exploration and the simple joy of appreciating the world around us. In this Q&A, Nicola reflects on the inspiration behind Tilda’s first adventure, the creative process of bringing her story to life, and the special messages woven throughout her work.

What inspired you to write Tilda Finds Her Rainbow?

Firstly, Tilda is actually a real tortoise (belonging to a friend) who often goes on unauthorised adventures! So my inspiration came from this, and the journeys she takes in the stories evolved from my imagination of where she might go when she disappeared from the garden each time. I also wished to create a story that conveyed an important message of being brave. Showing kindness and friendship towards others so that they feel included and valued are lessons that Tilda helps us all to learn, and who doesn't wish to find a rainbow at the end of an adventure!

Tilda is such a spirited and curious character. How did she come to life in your imagination?

Oh, very easily! Tortoises represent wisdom, and I always saw Tilda as being a kind and wise character, even when she wanted to discover new things for herself.

Rainbows carry a lot of symbolism — hope, wonder, new beginnings. What does the rainbow represent in Tilda's story?

As Tilda had spent so long loving all green things, the rainbow represents her courage to be curious about new unknown things such as colours, but it was also her reward for showing such kindness and friendship to the characters she meets along the way.

What did you enjoy most about creating a story filled with colour, nature, and adventure?

I am absolutely in love with the character of Tilda and all of her friends. I can truly imagine them on an adventure together, so it was creating these characters and seeing the illustrator bring the scenery/setting to life. Being a farmer's wife, I am surrounded by nature and colour throughout the seasons. However, it is very easy in this fast-paced world to miss what is around us, so Tilda being a wonderful slow tortoise helps encourage us all to take the time to see these beautiful things and to explore our world. There is so much more beyond her garden, and I hope Tilda always wanting to go on adventures will show my readers that anything is possible and it can be very exciting beyond the garden fence.

How important was it for you to craft a story that encourages children to explore and notice the world around them?

Oh, extremely important, hence why I wanted to make the characters relatable and believable so that children could explore and discover new things through the eyes of Tilda and co.

The illustrations beautifully complement Tilda’s journey. What was it like working with the illustrator to bring the story to life?

It was a fantastic experience to see my vision and words come to life through the most beautiful illustrations. The craftsmanship of these pictures and the storytelling through them is simply magical. My illustrator brings the magic to my manuscript. She inspires me to write more adventures for Tilda, as her illustrations are so whimsical and full of wonder.

What made you choose to write Tilda Finds Her Rainbow in rhyme, and what do you enjoy about writing in this style?

I love to write in rhyme; it has always seemed a very natural way for me to create a story. I think it gives the story a heartbeat, one that hopefully keeps children wanting to read more in such a fun way.

What do you hope children will feel or learn after reading Tilda Finds Her Rainbow?

I hope they can feel the empathy Tilda has for each character she meets and learn that courage, kindness, friendship and forgiveness are such important actions.

Did you draw on any personal childhood memories or favourite places when creating Tilda’s world?

Gosh, I have so many magical places in my childhood memories (nothing grand, just open spaces, streams and a world full of untouched nature) that I most certainly relate to these in her adventures.

How can readers connect with you and learn more about Tilda Finds Her Rainbow?

I have a website, www.nicolaalewis.com, where Tilda can be found within Little Literature World. The awards that this book has won, the illustrations and character interviews are posted on the website and also on Instagram, Little Literature World.