Gentle story experiences, accessible learning and practical professional development

Invite Australian children’s author, educator and program developer Emma Ewer to your school, church, library or community.

Emma offers more than a traditional author reading. Her full scope includes:

• Children’s author visits

• Made on Purpose™ story experiences

• Book Week and literacy events

• Specialised small-group visits

• Church and children’s ministry sessions

• Library and community events

• Parent and carer conversations

• Educator and ministry-team training

• Outdoor education training

• Nature-play and playwork training

• Program design and development

• Accessibility and inclusion guidance

• Neurodivergent-affirming practice

• Visual resources to support predictability and participation

Every session is shaped around the people in the room, the purpose of the gathering and the needs of the host organisation.

The heart remains:

The book. The child. The truth. The family.

[Enquire About a Visit or Training Session]

Meet Emma Ewer

Emma Ewer is a Christian children’s author, early childhood educator, outdoor educator, NDIS support worker, program developer and founder of Bel🩷ved Study Co.™

She is also autistic and ADHD and brings professional knowledge, lived experience and the perspective of raising neurodivergent children to her work.

Emma’s experience spans:

• Early childhood education

• Special Religious Education

• NDIS disability support

• Outdoor education and leadership

• Nature play and playwork

• Risky play

• Child-led learning

• Program design and development

• Community services

• Children’s ministry

• Accessibility and inclusion

• Supporting neurodivergent children

• Search and rescue and wilderness experience

• Child safety and safeguarding

• Community and family programs

Emma holds and maintains:

• A paid Working with Children Check

• Safer Ministries qualifications through Australian Christian Churches

• Early childhood education training

• Special Religious Education training

• Child-safety and child-protection training

• Advanced first-aid training

• NDIS disability-support experience

• Community-services training and experience

• Outdoor leadership qualifications

• Nature-play and playwork experience

• Program-development training

• Search-and-rescue and wilderness training

Emma’s qualifications are important, but so is the way she welcomes people. Her approach prioritises dignity, emotional and sensory safety, clear expectations, genuine participation and respect for different ways of communicating and learning.

[Meet Emma]

Author Visits for Children

About Made on Purpose

Made on Purpose™ introduces Ezra Fox™, a sensitive little fox who sometimes finds the world too loud.

Ezra notices what others miss, feels things deeply and needs quiet when everything becomes too much.

Through a tender encounter with the Shepherd, Ezra discovers that his differences are not mistakes. He is known, loved and intentionally made by God.

The story can gently open conversations about:

• Identity and belonging

• Sensory sensitivity and overwhelm

• Neurodiversity and individual differences

• Recognising and communicating personal needs

• Self-acceptance and compassion

• Respecting the needs of others

• God’s intentional design and love

Made on Purpose is especially meaningful for autistic, ADHD and sensitive children, while carrying a reassuring message for every child who has ever felt different or wondered whether they belong.

Where Emma Visits

Author visits are available for:

• Early childhood services and preschools

• Primary schools

• Christian schools

• Specialised education settings

• Autism-specific classes

• Learning-support units

• Churches and children’s ministries

• Libraries

• Playgroups

• Homeschool communities

• NDIS and disability organisations

• Family-support services

• Book Week programs

• Community events

• Conferences and family days

Emma is based in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales.

Visits within the Hunter, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton and surrounding regions may be available depending on scheduling.

Travel beyond the local area can be discussed, with reasonable travel and accommodation costs applying where required.

Online sessions may also be available for suitable interstate or international organisations.

What an Author Visit Can Include

Each visit is shaped around the age group, setting, available time and needs of the children attending.

A visit may include:

• A warm introduction to Emma and her work

• A reading of Made on Purpose

• Meeting Ezra Fox™

• Discovering how a book and character are created

• An age-appropriate conversation about identity and belonging

• Gentle discussion of sensory needs and individual differences

• Questions and answers about writing, creativity and publishing

• A simple reflective or creative activity

• Drawing or colouring

• A visual story sequence

• Book signing

• Optional signed-copy orders or pre-orders

• Time for educators, ministry leaders or families to speak with Emma

Not every element needs to be included.

A shorter, calmer visit may be more meaningful for some children than a longer, highly interactive session.

Visual Supports for Visits

Helping Children Know What to Expect

Emma can provide visual supports before and during a visit to help children understand what will happen and how they can participate.

Visuals may include:

• A “Meet Emma” introduction page

• A photograph and simple information about the visiting author

• A visual schedule for the session

• A first–then sequence

• A beginning, middle and end overview

• Visuals introducing Ezra Fox™

• Simple story-sequence cards

• Participation-choice visuals

• Question and listening prompts

• Movement or break reminders

• A “finished” visual

• A printable preparation page for families or classrooms

• A social-story-style visit preview where appropriate

Visuals can be shared with educators, families or support staff before the visit so children have time to process what is coming.

The host organisation is also welcome to provide its own established visuals, communication systems or transition supports. Emma will work with staff to avoid replacing tools already familiar to the children.

The purpose of visual support is not to control behaviour. It is to reduce uncertainty, support understanding and help children participate with greater confidence.

A Gentle and Accessible Approach

Emma believes:

“Accessibility is hospitality—it is not optional.”

Children do not need to sit perfectly still, make eye contact, answer questions or participate in a particular way to be welcomed.

During a visit, children may:

• Sit, stand or move while listening

• Observe without speaking

• Use headphones or sensory supports

• Bring a comfort item

• Colour or draw while listening

• Step away and return

• Choose whether to join an activity

• Communicate in the way that works best for them

• Take additional time to process the experience

A child’s engagement may not always look the way adults expect.

Quiet observation, movement, drawing, echolalia, delayed responses and watching from a distance can all be meaningful forms of participation.

Emma never asks children to disclose diagnoses or private personal information in front of the group.

Visits for Specialised Education Settings

Visits for special schools, autism-specific classes, learning-support units and disability organisations are planned with additional care.

The experience can include:

• Advance visual preparation

• A simple visual schedule

• Clear beginning, middle and end points

• Reduced verbal demands

• Shorter activity blocks

• Predictable transitions

• A low-pressure welcome

• Flexible seating and movement

• Sensory breaks

• No compulsory group responses

• Smaller-group readings

• Familiar staff remaining close

• Additional processing time

• Communication with educators or support staff before the visit

Educators and support staff know their children best.

Emma welcomes information about communication needs, sensory considerations, group dynamics, medical requirements and anything else that may help the visit feel safe and successful.

Faith-Based and Community Settings

Made on Purpose is a Christ-centred book, and Emma’s faith is foundational to the story and her work.

In churches, Christian schools and ministry settings, visits can include a fuller exploration of:

• Being created by God

• Identity and belonging in Christ

• God’s love and intentional design

• The Shepherd’s role in Ezra’s story

• Prayer

• A brief devotional reflection

• Biblically grounded encouragement for children and families

For public schools, libraries and broader community organisations, Emma works respectfully within the host organisation’s requirements and the agreed program.

The Christian identity of the book will not be misrepresented, but the visit can focus primarily on literature, creativity, identity, neurodiversity, compassion and belonging where that is most appropriate.

Visit Options

Gentle Storytime Visit

A calm introduction to Emma and Ezra, followed by a reading of Made on Purpose and a simple closing reflection.

Well suited to:

• Preschools

• Early primary groups

• Libraries

• Playgroups

• Smaller groups

• Children who benefit from a shorter experience

Story and Conversation Visit

A reading followed by an age-appropriate conversation about writing, identity, belonging, neurodiversity and the creation of Ezra’s story.

Well suited to:

• Primary schools

• Christian schools

• Homeschool communities

• Libraries

• Children’s ministries

Specialised Small-Group Visit

A carefully structured, visually supported, lower-demand experience developed with educators or support staff.

Well suited to:

• Autism-specific classes

• Specialised education settings

• Learning-support groups

• Disability organisations

• Children who benefit from lower sensory and social demands

Faith and Belonging Visit

A Christ-centred reading and reflection exploring God’s love, intentional design and identity in Him.

Well suited to:

• Churches

• Christian schools

• Children’s ministries

• Family services

• Ministry events

Book Week or Community Event

A larger event that may include storytelling, author questions, a creative activity, book signing or an information table.

Well suited to:

• Book Week

• School literacy programs

• Library events

• Community family days

• Conferences

• Church celebrations

Online Author Visit

A live online session that can include an author introduction, reading, visual presentation and questions.

Well suited to:

• Regional and remote schools

• Interstate groups

• Homeschool communities

• International audiences

• Organisations unable to host an in-person visit

Educator and Team Training

Practical Training Grounded in Real Experience

Emma conducts educator training and professional-development sessions for early childhood teams, schools, disability-support teams, churches and community organisations.

Sessions can be delivered as:

• Standalone workshops

• Staff-development sessions

• Conference presentations

• Small-team training

• Parent and educator evenings

• Ministry-team development

• Consultation attached to an author visit

• Online professional learning

• Program-planning sessions

• Outdoor practical workshops

Training is adapted to the experience, responsibilities and setting of the participants.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, sessions are professional learning and practical training rather than externally accredited courses.

Outdoor Education and Nature-Based Learning

Emma’s outdoor education training can explore:

• Foundations of outdoor learning

• Learning through nature

• Planning meaningful outdoor experiences

• Child-led adventure and discovery

• Nature play and playwork principles

• Risky play and healthy risk-taking

• The educator’s role outdoors

• Supporting confidence and independence

• Reflective practice in outdoor environments

• Accessibility in outdoor programs

• Including neurodivergent and disabled children

• Adapting activities without removing meaningful challenge

• Group management and clear boundaries outdoors

• Environmental awareness and care

• Navigation and age-appropriate outdoor skills

• Preparing children and families for an outdoor program

• Balancing safety, learning and genuine adventure

Training can be adapted for early childhood educators, primary teachers, outdoor leaders, playgroup teams, disability-support workers, ministry teams and community organisations.

Program Design and Development

Emma provides training and consultation in program development, including:

• Turning an idea into a clear program

• Defining purpose, outcomes and participant needs

• Creating a predictable program structure

• Developing session plans and activity sequences

• Designing for different communication and learning styles

• Building accessibility in from the beginning

• Identifying barriers to participation

• Planning visual supports

• Creating calm transitions

• Developing child-led and interest-based experiences

• Reviewing emotional and sensory safety

• Selecting resources with purpose

• Establishing leader roles and responsibilities

• Creating parent and participant information

• Developing practical procedures and supporting documents

• Reviewing and improving an existing program

• Gathering feedback without placing pressure on children

• Building sustainable programs that teams can realistically deliver

Emma’s approach values systems over stress. Programs should be thoughtful, safe and purposeful, but they also need to be practical for the people delivering them.

Neurodivergent-Affirming and Accessible Practice

Training can explore:

• Understanding different expressions of engagement

• Moving beyond compliance-based expectations

• Why eye contact is not a measure of listening

• Supporting movement during learning

• Sensory needs and environmental considerations

• Predictability and visual structure

• No-pressure participation

• Communication differences

• Processing time

• Reducing unnecessary verbal demands

• Supporting autonomy and dignity

• Recognising overwhelm before escalation

• Planning exits, breaks and re-entry

• Creating accessible group experiences

• Protecting children from public disclosure or embarrassment

• Partnering respectfully with parents and carers

• Listening to lived experience

The goal is not to make every child participate in the same way. It is to create an environment in which more children can belong and engage as themselves.

Visual Supports and Predictable Programs

Emma can train teams to develop and use:

• Visual schedules

• First–then supports

• Choice boards

• Session overviews

• Social-story-style preparation

• Transition visuals

• Activity-sequence cards

• Break and finished visuals

• Participation-choice supports

• Family preparation information

• Clear visual routines

Training focuses on using visuals as communication and hospitality—not as tools for forcing compliance.

Ministry and Children’s Program Training

For churches and Christian organisations, Emma can provide training in:

• Welcoming neurodivergent children into ministry

• Accessible children’s church practices

• Sensory-aware worship and group experiences

• Biblically grounded inclusion

• No-pressure participation

• Visual supports for ministry programs

• Supporting families without judgement

• Safer ministry and appropriate boundaries

• Creating Christ-centred resources

• Protecting dignity during prayer and ministry

• Building belonging without expecting masking

• Helping volunteers understand different forms of engagement

Faith-based training remains Christ-centred, biblically responsible and grounded in the belief that every child bears the image of God.

Parent, Carer and Community Conversations

Emma can also facilitate gentle, practical conversations for parents, carers and community members around:

• Supporting sensitive children

• Neurodivergent identity and belonging

• Sensory needs

• Faith and neurodiversity

• Building accessible family experiences

• Helping children communicate their needs

• Moving away from shame-based responses

• Partnering with educators and support teams

• Finding beauty and strength in difference

These sessions are educational and reflective. They do not replace individual medical, psychological, therapeutic or diagnostic advice.

Program Consultation

Organisations may enquire about tailored program-development support.

This may include:

• Reviewing an existing children’s program

• Developing a new outdoor or nature-based program

• Improving accessibility

• Creating a visual program structure

• Developing session plans

• Preparing family information

• Reviewing resources and activities

• Advising on sensory and participation considerations

• Supporting a launch or pilot program

• Creating a practical implementation plan

• Training the team who will deliver the program

Consultation scope, deliverables, timing and fees are agreed before work begins.

[Enquire About Educator Training or Program Development]

Every Child Receives Something

Wherever feasible, every child attending a Made on Purpose author visit receives:

• A complimentary Made on Purpose bookmark

• A complimentary colouring page

These small gifts allow children to take part of the experience home without needing to purchase anything.

For large events or visits requiring significant quantities, printing arrangements will be discussed with the host organisation beforehand.

Book Sales, Signed Copies and Pre-Orders

Books may be available for purchase, pre-order or signing where appropriate and financially viable.

Purchasing is always optional and low-pressure.

Options may include:

• Direct signed-copy sales

• Pre-orders collected before the visit

• Signed bookplates

• School or church group orders

• A designated book-signing period

• Copies purchased by the organisation

• Community-sponsored copies

• A book donated to the host library where agreed

For Book Week visits held while another official book fair is operating, a pre-order or signed-copy system can be arranged to respect the school’s existing partnership.

The visit remains centred on children and the story—not on selling.

Community Giving

Bel🩷ved Study Co. believes generosity should be woven into the way we serve.

Schools, churches, libraries, specialised education settings and community organisations experiencing genuine financial barriers may submit a community-giving request.

Depending on current capacity, support may include:

• A donated copy of Made on Purpose

• Complimentary activity resources

• A reduced-cost or supported visit

• A small community reading

• Sponsored books provided through community giving

• An alternative arrangement suited to the organisation

Bel🩷ved is a small and growing business, so assistance cannot be guaranteed. Each request is considered prayerfully according to need, timing, location, available resources and alignment with our mission.

[Learn About Community Giving]

What We Need From the Host

Children must remain supervised by the host organisation’s authorised staff, leaders, carers or parents throughout the visit.

Depending on the program, the host may also be asked to provide:

• A suitable and accessible space

• Age and approximate group size

• Seating or flexible floor-space options

• A staff contact for the day

• Information about accessibility and sensory needs

• Access and parking instructions

• A microphone for larger groups

• A screen or projector if visual material is included

• A quiet area or break space where possible

• A table for books and complimentary resources

• Assistance distributing pre-ordered books

• Any required visitor forms or procedures

Emma provides a clear session outline and can provide preparatory visuals before the event so staff, families and children know what to expect.

Photography and Children’s Privacy

Children’s privacy and dignity are important.

Emma and Bel🩷ved Study Co. will not photograph, film or publicly identify children without appropriate consent and permission from the host organisation and parent or guardian where required.

Hosts are asked to advise Emma before the visit about:

• Photography permissions

• Children who must not appear in images

• Social-media restrictions

• Organisational safeguarding policies

• Approved photography areas or processes

No child is required to participate in a photograph.

Fees and Quotes

Fees vary according to:

• Session type and duration

• Number of sessions

• Group size

• Location and travel

• Preparation or customisation

• Visual resources required

• Training materials

• Program-development scope

• Online or in-person delivery

• Book-order arrangements

• Additional accessibility planning

A clear quote will be provided before a booking is confirmed.

Travel, accommodation, parking, tolls and other reasonable expenses may be added for work outside Emma’s local area.

Community organisations with limited funding are welcome to explain their circumstances when enquiring.

How to Enquire

Please include:

• Organisation name

• Organisation type

• Contact person and role

• Email address and phone number

• Event or training location

• Preferred date and alternative dates

• Approximate number of attendees

• Ages or professional roles of attendees

• Number and type of sessions requested

• Author visit, educator training or consultation required

• Faith-based or general community setting

• Accessibility, sensory or communication considerations

• Visual supports required

• Whether you are interested in book sales or pre-orders

• Available budget, if known

• Travel, parking or venue information

Submitting an enquiry does not confirm a booking.

Your date is secured only after the session details, quote and booking requirements have been agreed.

[Enquire About an Author Visit]

[Enquire About Educator Training]

[Enquire About Program Development]

Room to Enter as Yourself

Emma’s hope is not that every child, educator or participant responds in the same way.

It is that each person has room to enter the experience as themselves.

Some children will ask seventeen questions.

Some will listen quietly.

Some will colour while the story is read.

Some educators will arrive with a complete program and need help refining it.

Others will arrive with a beautiful idea and no idea where to begin.

All are welcome.

Together, we can create stories, visits and programs that communicate:

You are known.
You are deeply loved.
You were made on purpose.

[Invite Emma to Your School, Church or Community]