Willow Foster-Thorpe, a UK-based children’s author behind the Unique Creatures series, has shared a glimpse into the series’ beginnings by revealing the very first handwritten story and picture that started it all. This look back at the origins of the beloved animal characters of Creatureville highlights Foster-Thorpe’s ongoing commitment to accessible and inclusive creative content.
The Unique Creatures series began as a handwritten story, the very first Unique Creatures tale Foster-Thorpe ever created. That original story, pictured below, introduced Rupert, Victor, and Felix to the world and planted the seed for everything that followed.
This retrospective builds on a growing catalogue of books spanning inclusive storytelling, activity books, and sensory-friendly resources. Foster-Thorpe’s work centres on children with disabilities and neurodiverse experiences, reaching families, educators, and special needs communities across the United Kingdom and beyond.
About the Unique Creatures Series
Foster-Thorpe’s Unique Creatures series has built a consistent following since the debut of Understanding deafness with Felix the Frog in 2022. Each title uses a Creatureville animal character to explore a specific disability or health condition in a way that is accessible to young readers. The series now includes three core titles, alongside activity books and specialist resources for neurodiverse children.
Understanding deafness with Felix the Frog (2022)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-Deafness-Felix-Frog-Creatures-ebook/dp/B0BJKMYK5D
Foster-Thorpe’s debut title introduced Felix, a deaf frog who communicates through Makaton sign language. The story follows Felix and his friend Rupert the Snail through a trip to the library, where Felix learns to navigate a world that does not always accommodate his needs. The book has been described by parents and educators as “friendly reading” and “very helpful” for children in inclusive classrooms, offering genuine visibility for deaf children through honest, warm storytelling.
Understanding autism with Rupert the Snail (2023)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-autism-Rupert-Snail-Creatures/dp/1805410865
The second title in the series follows Rupert the Snail on a train trip to visit his cousins, where a visit to the park leads the group to navigate misunderstandings around autistic behaviour. Told with warmth and clarity, the book has been praised for its accessible portrayal of neurodiversity. Creative details, including Rupert’s home inside a baked bean tin, give the story a playful, original quality that makes complex topics approachable for young readers.
Understanding anxiety with Wilhelmina the Glow-Worm (2024)
Foster-Thorpe wrote Understanding anxiety with Wilhelmina the Glow-Worm and dedicated the book to Wilhelmina herself, drawing from a personal connection to the character. Below is a picture of the real Wilhelmina.
The story follows Mina, a 93-year-old glow-worm living in Creature Cottage, a care home for elderly animals, who works through her chronic worrying with the help of her friends. Designed for readers aged 7 to 12, the book introduces mindfulness and emotional resilience in a gentle, story-led format that resonates with both children and their caregivers.
Activity Books and Additional Titles
Alongside the core series, Foster-Thorpe has published a range of activity books and resources. The Fidget Toy Colouring Book and Robot Colouring Book offer sensory-friendly colouring experiences suited to children with ADHD, anxiety, or sensory processing needs. The Fantasy Word Search features 150 puzzles across enchanted themes, encouraging literacy and focus.
The Disability Colouring Book for Individuals Living with Disabilities, Unique Creatures Notebook, and Ultimate Activity Book round out the collection, offering creative and enriching resources for young readers with a wide range of needs.
The mini comic Unique Creatures: Rupert Goes Shopping During the Pandemic brought the Creatureville characters to a new format during a period when many families needed accessible, relatable content for children.
All books are available on Amazon worldwide.
To schedule an interview with the author, contact Willow Foster-Thorpe at uniquecreatures.uk@gmail.com.
About Willow Foster-Thorpe
Willow Foster-Thorpe is a UK-based children’s author and advocate for children with disabilities. Through her signature Unique Creatures series and inclusive activity books, she empowers young readers to embrace differences, understand emotions, and engage with the world through creativity and compassion. Her books are available worldwide via Amazon and have already made a positive impact on families, educators, and special needs communities across the UK and beyond.
Media Contact
Company Name: Unique Creatures
Contact Person: Willow Foster-Thorpe
Email: Send Email
City: Lincolnshire
Country: United Kingdom
Website: unquecreatures.uk