Hi, I'm Kayleigh — mum to two kind-hearted, beautiful children and foster mum to three of the most gorgeous, brave little humans you could ever meet.

With kids ranging between 6 months and 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 welcoming new children into your home. 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.

This is just the beginning of what I hope will be a whole series of stories that hold space for the complex, beautiful, and challenging realities of foster care. Stories that make room for grief and joy to live side by side. Stories that show children they are never too much, too quiet, too unsure, or too brave to belong.

Thanks so much for being here. I’m so glad you’ve found your way to Lulu’s story—and I hope it stays with you.