On The Wight, a news source for the Isle of Wight in the U.K. has published a feature on my new collaboration with Anya Lauchlan, Toys at Night (GoldfishbooksUK Ltd. 2025).
This unique children’s book, which features thirteen charming fables inspired and illustrated by the artwork of Anya Lauchlan, helps fundraise for children in Ukraine and in support of Mountbatten hospice care.
You can read the article in On the Wight here.
Anya Lauchlan’s artwork has previously supported Great Ormond Street Hospital, just one example of the artist’s consistent involvement in charitable projects. As for the author (me), I have always donated a portion of my Stray Cat Stories children’s books to non-profit animal rescue organizations. This new project builds on each of our efforts to support charitable causes through our creative work.
The Toys at Night project includes donating 200 translated copies and some boxes of soft toys to Ukrainian kindergartens, primaries and libraries, reflecting a unique cross-continental collaboration that leverages Lauchlan’s international reputation to aid war-affected communities.
In the U.K., proceeds from this book will also fund Mountbatten Isle of Wight, a hospice providing 24/7 end-of-life care, which recently supported families after a tragic helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight on August 25, 2025, which claimed three lives during a flying lesson. Stateside, a portion of the proceeds will go to an organization helping animals in Ukraine.
Only 60 copies of the book will be available in the U.S. In the U.K., write to contact@goldfishbooksuk.com for copies or information. The book is also available from Waterstone’s at this link.