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For every deaf child finding their place in the world, may you always know you are enough, just as you are
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Where it all began…
Auslan translation coming soon!
In 2019, I started working regularly with a little Deaf boy named Hayden - he LOVED books. Every week he insisted I translate a picture book in his house into Auslan, we worked through every book he owned… until we ran out.
So I made him one. One where he was the main character.
It was rough. Terribly drawn. Cut-and-paste pages held together with glue and staples. But when he saw himself in that story, everything shifted.
His excitement. His pride. His joy.
That moment fundamentally changed how I understood representation.
It’s not about perfection.
It’s about recognition.
About a child opening a book and knowing: this story includes me.
Astrid of Skaldvik was created in the hopes that Deaf children see themselves reflected in the pages and feel proud, included and empowered to know their experiences, language and identity belong in stories too. At the same time, the character offers hearing children an opportunity to discover that being different is not something to fear or fix - it is simply one of the many things that makes each of us unique.
meet the team
Jacki McNab is an experienced Auslan (Australian Sign Language) interpreter, Pediatric Registered Nurse and qualified Childhood Educator, born and raised in Far North Queensland, Australia. With over a decade of experience, she has worked closely with the Deaf community in a variety of settings, gaining a deep understanding of the richness, resilience, and diversity of Deaf culture. Her work has highlighted both the beauty and the challenges faced by Deaf individuals, particularly the isolation many Deaf children experience due to a lack of representation in mainstream narratives.
Driven by a lifelong passion for storytelling and a profound respect for the Deaf community, Jacki is dedicated to creating stories that centre Deaf voices and lived experiences. She believes every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read and the characters they admire. Through her writing, she aims to provide Deaf children with visibility, joy, and a powerful sense of belonging, while also encouraging other readers to expand their perspectives on communication, identity, and connection.
Jacki continues to collaborate with Deaf creatives and families to ensure her stories are rooted in authenticity, inclusivity, and love.
Author: Jacki McNab
Based in Far North Queensland, Heather Stewart is a passionate emerging illustrator and proud mother to her daughter, Paige, who continues to be her greatest inspiration. Having created art throughout her life, illustrating Astrid of Skaldvik marks her first professional opportunity in the world of children’s literature.
With a love for storytelling, creativity, and childhood wonder, she hopes her artwork helps inspire young imaginations, encourages a love of reading, and contributes positively to children’s education. Her hand-drawn illustrations are lovingly created with a deep appreciation for the magic found within stories.
illustrator: heather stewart
Erin Davies is a Deaf primary school teacher and Auslan translator with a passion for storytelling and accessible bilingual education.
She loves bringing children’s books to life through creativity and expression to create engaging story experiences. With a strong connection to the Deaf community, Erin is dedicated to sharing the richness of Auslan and helping children develop a love of stories.
deaf consult: erin davies
