Sally the Seagull is a new mindfulness-based children’s picture book written and illustrated by Danielle Taylor and published by Hammond House - is launching at Litfest26! Come and discover Sally's tale, meet the author, Danielle Taylor, and take home a signed copy (£9.99) for the perfect bedtime story. 

About Sallly the Seagull

This gentle, rhythmic tale introduces young readers to a calm, wise seagull named Sally who helps her friends to navigate life’s chaos and storms using sensory grounding tools; by slowing down and taking deep breaths, they soon discover tranquility in their surroundings. 

The story is filled with gentle rhymes, beautiful illustrations and engaging mindfulness activities. Set around the coast, the book balances gentle humour with everyday moments of joy, worry, curiosity and adventure, making it an ideal 'read aloud' to spark classroom discussions exploring friendship, resilience and self-discovery....or as a soothing bedtime story to help little minds and their loved ones, co-regulate and connect. 

Recommended for ages 4–8, the story serves as a gentle guide for children learning to share, to soothe, and to shine as brightly as the morning sun. 

About the author

Danielle’s creative journey was born from the three main loves of her life: being a Mummy, her work as a trauma-focused psychological therapist and wellbeing coach, and her love of nature. 

In 2025 Danielle received mentoring and publishing support for her writing ambitions through The Billboard Showcase; an Arts Council England-funded programme run by Hammond House Ltd, which provided a professional media support for seven Lincolnshire-based artists. Hammond House is delighted to work with Danielle as publisher, helping spread her heart-warming tale, which launches at the Hammond House International Literary Festival 2026. 

Danielle’s passions and an amateur-photographic eye have blended seamlessly in the creation of Sally’s fun and meaningful tales, which help to nourish and support little minds on their journey through childhood. Danielle regularly hosts many retreats, workshops and community projects, harnessing the power of creativity, physical activity, nature and nutrition to promote Mental Wealth and Intentional Living.

 - For more information and to buy a copy of Sally the Seagull visit;

www.refreshwellbeing.com

 - Follow Danielle on Instagram:

www.instagram.com/refreshwellbeing

 - Follow Sally’s adventures on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/sallytheseagull_bydanielle/