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An adult and child hold an open Baby-To-Be picture book, showing pastel watercolour illustrations of a couple embracing among trees. Text reads: “Inspired by family. Made to be shared. Heartfelt picture books by Laura Somerson.” A button invites visi

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Five-star reviews on Amazon      |      ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Five-star reviews on Etsy      |       

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Hello, I’m Laura.

I’m Laura Somerson, an Australian and New Zealand children’s author, a mum of two and the founder of Little Petal Press.

I create heartfelt picture books that celebrate childhood, strengthen family connections and help children understand the world around them.

Some explore the everyday realities of parenting. Others explain life’s big moments with honesty and care, or simply invite laughter and imagination. All are written to be shared, treasured and read again and again.

My hope is that these stories spark meaningful conversations, create lasting memories and remind families that the little moments are often the ones that matter most.

A Note to Parents

The early years of parenting are measured in cuddles and catnaps. The days can feel impossibly long, the laundry never seems to end, and your tea always goes cold. Yet somehow, these ordinary moments become the memories we treasure most.

It’s the bedtime stories you’ve read a hundred times. The hugs that fix almost everything. The silly songs, the sticky kisses, the whispered “I love yous,” and the moments when simply being there is enough.

Some days will feel long. Some will feel messy. Some will leave you wondering if you’ve done enough.

You have.

With love,

Explore the Relatable Little Books
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Beyond the last page.

A story can become a song, a colouring afternoon or something to listen to together.

Explore free audiobooks, music, colouring pages, milestone cards and activities created to keep those little moments of connection going.

Explore the free extras

  • "A Beautiful and Uplifting Read" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “The Baby-to-Be is a heartfelt book that truly captures the emotional journey of IVF. As someone who has been through it, I found the book both comforting and empowering. It resonates with the struggles, hope, and joy of the process in such a beautiful way.

    I’m so glad I discovered this book, and I’ll definitely be sharing it with my IVF mama friends. Highly recommend it to anyone who has gone through the journey and has their little miracle on the way, like me, or already earthside!”

    Mia lewis

  • "Gorgeous illustrations and a fun story" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “Photos don’t do the illustrations in this book justice. The Afremov-style images are sublime and the book is a fun journey through some of the lesser known animal sounds!”

    Sarah T

  • "Lifting and inspiring" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “It truly is a beautiful book. I love the yellow pastel theme, as it signifies hope. I loved your heartfelt words too, they were so sweet and resonating with me especially having been through the IVF journey myself and lucky to be on the other side. Thank
    you for this beautiful piece.”

    Tasha

  • "Cute creatures with quirky noises!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “Cute creatures with quirky noises!
    The book is beautifully coloured in sunset colours which is perfect for the little ones bedtime reading.
    The Axolotl is my fave!”

    Alaina

  • "Beautifully written and illustrated" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “A sweet way to share the ivf journey with kids. Honest, simple and full of love. A perfect gift for mums who have embarked on this journey.”

    Su

  • "Loved by the family, will read again" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “My kids have always considered me an expert on animal sounds, but some of these animals had me stumped! With vibrant illustrations and catchy rhyming couplets, this book was a delight!”

    Kindle Customer

  • This will be one of the most requested reads in your household. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “You'll be re-reading this one with your littlies over and over and over.

    A fun twist on the boring old farm animal noises, 'The Animal Says What?' with its bright colourful illustrations, will challenge the young readers (listeners) to attempt to make these unusual animal noises. I can see this book becoming a family favourite.”

    Teacher Maree

  • "Beautiful story about a successful IVF journey" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “Beautiful book and story, love it. Perfect baby shower gift for those that have been through this journey. Great quality and a lovely keepsake 😍”

    Amazon Customer

  • "A cute little book" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “This book was delightful!

    My son's favourite animal is the Zebra and he was stuck on this page for quite a while admiring the image. A cute little book for kids. I really enjoyed the style of the images.”

    Bec Walraven

  • "Delightful, vibrant and engaging illustrations!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “What a fantastic animal-themed book that’s perfect for little ones. The author has done a fantastic job of keeping the rhymes short and engaging for young readers, and the graphic illustrations are really eye-catching for capturing their attention.

    We’d recommend this book to anyone with young children who are looking for the perfect bedtime (or even just storytime) story, and are wanting to learn about all the amazing animals in the world and their various sounds!”

    Thomas Jensen

  • "Adorable & Educational!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    This is such a charming picture book that introduces little ones to animal sounds in the most delightful way. Each page is playful and engaging, making it perfect for read-aloud moments. The sounds are cute and made my boys laugh.
    A fun and educational addition to any toddler’s bookshelf!”

    Su

  • "Animal sounds for curious minds!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “The book is definitely a winner for little minds that are curious to identify noises of not so popular animals. Living in NZ, I was curious to find out what NZ's kiwi says. Aren't I happy.😊
    A good read for kids and full of colourful illustrations.”

    Diyamanthi Gal

  • "A beautiful book" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “This book is just wonderful and my children love it and find it interesting, we just love learning about different animal sounds!”

    Clare

  • "Fun read!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “I love reading it to my daughter and making animal noises together!”

    Oliver W

  • “Made the perfect gift” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “Haven't found anything else like this book. Made the perfect gift. Great story and beautiful illustrations.”

    Tiani

  • “A really lovely little book” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “It is a really lovely little book - the story and the illustrations are beautiful.”

    Gen

  • “Tender, honest, and uplifting” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “This book is so beautiful, I cried reading it! If you’re looking for a book that says to a little one ‘You were dreamed of, loved, and brought to us through hope and science,’ then Baby-To-Be delivers. It’s tender, honest, and uplifting. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent or friend in a ivf family, this is a warm, empowering read that helps frame the beginning of life with love and intention. Would 100% recommend! Thank you!”

    Feride

  • “A great way to share the IVF journey” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “This is a beautiful story and a great way to share the IVF journey with kids when you need help finding the right words. We are so happy to add this one to our collection of bedtime stories.”

    Victoria

  • “High quality, beautiful story and imagery” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “A truly beautiful book for any family going through infertility and IVF! I am so proud to have this book in my nursery for my future baby. High quality, beautiful story and imagery.”

    Caitlin

  • “Beautiful story about IVF” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “Beautiful story about IVF and the perfect gift for those who have gone through the journey. Bought several for baby shower gifts. Arrived super quickly and beautifully wrapped, love it 😍”

    Lavinia

  • “Highly recommend this beautiful book” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “If you have an IVF baby, or sibling, coming I highly recommend this beautiful book”

    Sarah T

  • “It brought tears to my eyes” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “After a three year IVF journey and four rounds of treatment, I was finally able to read this story to my miracle baby boy, born in 2023. It brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart with gratitude.

    This book is a touching tribute to all the IVF parents and their little miracles. It truly captures the love, hope, and resilience that come with the journey. The illustrations are also wonderfully done... gentle, warm, and full of emotion.

    I highly recommend it to any family who has walked this path or to those just beginning their IVF journey. It’s more than a children’s book, it is a celebration of strength, love, and the miracles that come after the struggle.”

    Casey

  • “A beautiful way to introduce IVF” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “A beautiful way to introduce IVF and assisted fertility... whether you’re reading to your own IVF miracle baby or using it to read to others to help them understand not all families are made in the same way. The lovely rhyme and gentle repetition make it lovely to read aloud, and I really appreciate that it doesn’t shy away from the feelings of longing and loneliness that can be part of the journey. It's also wonderful to see the use of more accurate terminology (like Mum’s eggs, womb, and cells), which is so refreshing in a children’s book (particularly when you are wanting to use it to educate). Such a beautiful book and I highly recommend!”

    Meaghan

  • “Spreading comfort and hope” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “This book is a beautiful read. Thank you for spreading comfort and hope as we embark on our IVF journey. I look forward to reading this to our baby in the future 💛✨️”

    Emily Waite

  • “Such a beautiful book” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “Such a beautiful book and I know that when bubsy is old enough to read, this will be an amazing way for her to understand how she was brought into this world. Thank you for creating this beautiful book and allowing us to celebrate the journey of IVF”

    Michelle

  • “I loved your heartfelt words” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “It truly is a beautiful book. I love the yellow pastel theme, as it signifies hope. I loved your heartfelt words too, they were so sweet and resonating with me especially having been through the IVF journey myself and lucky to be on the other side. Thank you for this beautiful piece.”

    Tasha

  • “You captured it brilliantly” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “This is a beautiful way to celebrate and share the journey of the very special IVF families. Well done on such an emotional project. You captured it brilliantly Laura x”

    Danny Thor

  • “Worded so poetically” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “Such a beautiful and heartfelt tale of the journey of IVF, worded so poetically and also hitting every moment. Will also be a beautiful way to share with bubs as they are older and understand 🩷”

    Stacey W

  • “Wonderfully written and illustrated” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “This book is so beautiful, wonderfully written and illustrated and tells the journey so perfect. I can’t wait to read it to my little boy.”

    Lisa Cartwright

  • “A nice baby shower gift” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “Nice story for babies or children created using IVF. Would also be a nice baby shower gift for an IVF mumma.”

    Renee

  • “A must read book” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “Heart touching journey for most of the IVF mum's. A must read book to welcome your little one with joy!”

    Rogini

  • “So relatable” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “Beautiful book which is so relatable when you’ve been through the same journey. Highly recommend”

    Amazon Customer

  • “Such a sweet and beautiful story” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “Such a sweet and beautiful story reflective of two parents journey through IVF.”

    S Royal