Hi, and thanks for popping by to visit my website.

I’m Natliegh—Now that’s a pretty strange way to spell the name, but it does come with a funny story. From as young as I can remember, I would go home and tell my mom that my teacher said my name was misspelt. And each time, my mom would say, “Tell your teacher to learn her English spelling rules… I before E except after C.” I never had the courage to say anything to any of my teachers, and thank heavens because while laughing about it one day as a young adult, a friend blurted out another English spelling rule: When two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking.

My background

Lesson: There is more than one English spelling rule

I was born to South African parents in Kadoma, Zimbabwe, in 1973. In 1979, my parents moved back to South Africa, so I am a South African citizen with a South African upbringing. We moved around a lot during my childhood, especially after my parents divorced. I had the nightmarish privilege of attending thirteen different schools during my twelve years at school. I was a highly strung child with dreadful bedwetting and nail-biting habits, and yet all my school reports said I adapted quickly, fitted in well and was a happy, friendly little girl.

What do I do after school?

I had no idea what I would do when I left school.

Read my poems

I had no big dreams, ambitions, or aspirations. I suppose I just thought I’d see where life took me. My mom enrolled me in nursing school once I had matriculated, and I’m ashamed to say that I quit after a year. What happened next was unexpected – I started working at a zoo. During the nine years I worked at the zoo, I began to write poetry. I don’t know where that came from – it just started. I wrote an ode to the boss, odes to my colleagues, and poems about my work and the animals I worked with. Out of nowhere, the desire to write poems was there.

I discover my calling

I discovered I enjoyed working with children.

I was working as a Nature Education Officer, teaching children about the importance of respecting and preserving wildlife. I soon found that I was very good at teaching and loved little children. I later found myself working at a preschool, and after a few years, I opened my own Early Learning Centre. I completed my diploma in Early Childhood Development and have run my preschool ever since.

While working at the zoo

My family

I was terrified

that she would forget how to read, so I started writing her little stories to keep her keen on learning to read. But, even at this stage, I’d never thought, “Oh, I’d love to be a children’s author.”

I am married and have a gorgeous son and a beautiful daughter. When my daughter was little and just grasping the skill of reading, her school closed for a holiday.

The start… >>

I wondered if I could be a children’s author.

But still, I did nothing about it.

After that holiday, I told the school administrator at my daughter’s school that I’d written little stories for her to practice her reading. She was delighted to hear this and told me she was developing a manners curriculum and needed stories for the lessons. She asked if I would be prepared to write some stories for her that she could use. Of course, I said yes and quite a few of the stories I wrote were incorporated into her lessons. That gave me a sense of pride and achievement. For the first time

I blogged >>

In hindsight,

it’s possible I never looked for followers because I was afraid people wouldn’t like what I’d written, they’d say mean things online, and I’d be crushed.

Just as I turned 40, I briefly blogged about ageing. I had no idea how to get followers and was writing to an audience of none, so I eventually stopped blogging.

Read my blog

What now?

Hello, are you still there?

Self-doubt, the fear of rejection, and the fact that people can be so harsh with their opinions pushed away any action that would put me on the path to putting my writing out there. But after discovering a short course on Udemy: How to Write, illustrate, and Self-Publish Your Children’s Book on KDP I started giving the thought a lot of attention. I paid for the course, completed it, and, out of sheer excitement, published four books on KDP within two months. But that was the easy part. I love to write. It seems I always have. But now, with almost 1 million new books published every year, how on earth will anyone ever get to see mine? Am I bold enough to flip off the haters and find a market for my books?

Back to the beginning

Mintwings

ISBN: 9780796155993
Age: Approx 4 – 8 yrs | Number of pages: 26 | Book size: Square 8.5” x 8.5”

This heartwarming children’s story follows Mintwings, a Unibat who feels different because of his unique horn. Despite facing teasing, Mintwings finds comfort in a friendship with Wendy, a kind polecat. When a frightening storm threatens the forest and its creatures, Mintwings comes to the rescue, and what was once the focal point of teasing becomes what saves the day. This story teaches children about courage, acceptance, and friendship, emphasising the importance of unity and embracing uniqueness. Mintwings and Wendy’s tale becomes a legend, inspiring others to value kindness, acceptance, and true friendship.

Bravenot

ISBN: 9798877815322 (Temporary Amazon ISBN)
Age: Approx 2 – 6 yrs | Number of pages: 24 | Book size: Square 8.5” x 8.5”

Meet Bravenot, a little bat,
Who was afraid to fly, imagine that!
But one fateful night, a slip and fall,
Forced him to spread his wings, after all.
To his surprise, he soared with delight,
Discovering the joy of flight.
Now Bravenot flies each night without fear,
Spreading happiness far and near.
So remember, when you’re feeling small,
Just like Bravenot, you can conquer it all!
Embrace your fears and take flight,
You’ll find that you shine oh so bright!

Dusk Faeries

ISBN: 9780796156006
Age: Approx 2 – 6 yrs | Number of pages: 24 | Book size: Square 8.5” x 8.5”

In this enchanting rhyming picture book, children will discover the world of bats, affectionately called Dusk Fairies. With whimsical illustrations and lyrical verses, young readers will learn that bats are not creatures to be feared but creatures to be respected and admired. These unique creatures play a vital role in our ecosystems by helping to control insect populations. Children will gain a newfound appreciation for bats and their critical role in our world through this delightful story.

When We’re Angry

ISBN: 9780976155986
Age: Approx 2 – 6 yrs | Number of pages: 24 | Book size: Square 8.5” x 8.5”

This rhyming tale for children teaches about managing anger positively by emphasising the importance of not resorting to violence or unkindness. Children are encouraged to find healthier ways to cope with their anger, such as talking it out and expressing themselves non-violently. The story promotes love, kindness, and peaceful resolution as effective ways to deal with anger

How to get hold of me

082 879 7380

natliegh73@gmail.com