
Hi, I'm Kayleigh - mum to two kind-hearted, beautiful children and foster mum to some of the most gorgeous, brave little humans you could ever meet.
With kids ranging between 0 - 11 years old, our home is loud, crazy and so full of love. And it’s in the middle of all that beautiful chaos that She Smiled, Just a Little was born.

With a background in storytelling and the dedication to make sure my kids all felt seen, I decided to write a book. One that spoke to the complexities of foster care, and the emotions that go along with it. A story that didn’t try to "fix" anything, but simply held space for big feelings, small moments, and the slow, quiet process of settling in.
My biggest hope is that children in care will see themselves in Lulu, the little bear at the heart of the story. That they’ll feel recognised, comforted, and a little less alone. And just as importantly, I hope other children (and the grown-ups who love them) will gain a deeper understanding of what care, belonging, and patience really look like.