Deborah Jane Slinger

A quiet boy. A loud world. A story that makes room for both.

Levi Sprocket came to life with a big imagination and even bigger questions, about identity, emotions, and how to navigate a world that doesn’t always understand sensitive souls. He’s curious, thoughtful, sometimes anxious and always carrying something in his pocket to help make sense of the world around him.

This story dives into the inner lives of kids who feel deeply and think differently. It’s about neurodivergence, emotional regulation, friendship, and the literal and symbolic tools we all carry to help us feel safe, strong, and understood.

The inspiration came after the release of my first book, Poppy Pretzel. Friends who loved Poppy began asking, “Do you have something like this for boys?” They saw their sons struggling with similar questions, how to handle big feelings, growing bodies, and changing friendships—but couldn’t find anything that spoke to them in the same way. And once again, I saw that while there were plenty of books on the biology of puberty, there was a real gap in resources that spoke to the emotional journey, especially for boys.

Writing Levi Sprocket: What’s in My Pocket? reminded me that every child experiences the world in their own way. And it’s our job—as parents, carers, educators, and storytellers to make space for every kind of brain, heart, and voice.

It’s a gentle, hopeful read for kids who need reassurance, and for the adults who want to better understand and support them.

Thank you to everyone who has embraced Levi and the quiet questions he carries.

Poppy Pretzel wasn’t just a character I created, she became a voice for every girl navigating the strange, exciting, and awkward rollercoaster of puberty.

The idea sparked when my then eight-year-old daughter, Yasmin, began asking thoughtful, curious questions about what growing up would mean for her. What I quickly realised was that while plenty of books covered the biology of puberty, very few explored the emotional landscape, the self-doubt, the mood swings, the shifting friendships, and the quiet confusion that can shadow those years.

So I wrote Poppy to help fill that gap. To ensure young people like Yasmin felt seen, supported, and never alone as their bodies and lives began to change.

With honesty, humour, and heart, Poppy Pretzel: Passage Into Puberty dives into both the emotional and physical realities of growing up. From her first period to feeling left out or overwhelmed, Poppy’s story is relatable, reassuring, and refreshingly non-clinical. It’s the book I wish I’d had at that age and I’m honoured it has resonated with so many young readers and their families.

When I first sent the manuscript to seven publishers, I was stunned to receive interest from two, almost unheard of at the time (especially in 2009). I chose to publish with New Holland Publishing, who helped shape the manuscript into something even more readable and relatable, pairing it with engaging artwork and strong distribution. The book was released in 2010 and, just like that, Poppy Pretzel stepped into the world.

This book launched my journey into writing for young people and continues to remind me why stories like these matter: because every child deserves to feel understood, heard, and just a little less alone.

Thank you to everyone who believed in Poppy and in me.