About The Colouring Garden

Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and illustrator behind The Colouring Garden. This project is a deeply personal and heartfelt journey, built on love, hope, and healing, inspired by my brother Simeon, who we always called Simmy for short. When Simmy was critically ill in ICU, his quiet courage and incredible strength became my anchor through the darkest moments. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, I needed something to hold onto, a way to stay grounded and keep hope alive for him, for my family, and for myself. Creating Simmy and Friends, my very first colouring book, became that lifeline—a beautiful way to transform my love and hope into something real, meaningful, and lasting.

Every penny raised from Simmy and Friends is donated to the NHS, whose tireless care surrounded Simmy and so many others with compassion and dedication. Just two days after the book was published, Simmy passed away, never getting to see the joy and comfort his book would bring to others. Though my heart was shattered, the overwhelming kindness and support I received gave me the strength to keep moving forward.

The Colouring Garden is a place of magic and wonder—a living tribute to Simmy where peace, joy, and imagination bloom on every page. It’s a sanctuary where creativity sparks, and quiet moments of happiness can be found. Simmy believed in my dream of becoming an illustrator, and I carry that belief with me every day. Each illustration is a gentle celebration of him and the light he brought into my life. My deepest hope is that these pages bring comfort, joy, and a little bit of magic to others, just as creating them has helped heal my heart.

Thank you for joining me on this beautiful journey of love, remembrance, and creativity. Your support means the world.

With all my heart,
Andrea