Kayleen Commens
Aspiring Author
I am an aspiring picture book author and illustrator, emerging artist and school librarian based in Kingsthorpe, Queensland, Australia.
Inspiration for Buddy came when several students tragically lost family members. The school counsellor wanted to make the transition back to school a little easier for them by helping the class understand what to do and say that would be helpful for their friend. It wasn't just because I'm the librarian that he asked me for suggestions for an appropriate picture book, you see, unfortunately, I also live with deep grief as a bereaved mother.
But many grief books are aimed at those who experience loss and don't always offer suggestions to those who are friends or family of the bereaved. Writing Buddy has been healing for me, but the main reason is to help others know what to do and say when supporting people in grief. So many innocent comments, though unintentional, are hurtful.
I recently completed the Australian Writers' Centre (AWC), 'Writing Picture Books' course which I can highly recommend. The assessor, Cathie Tasker, provided positive praise for Buddy and wished me well for seeking a publisher. Buddy has also been appraised by Wombat Books and I have taken recommendations into consideration. With current membership through the Australian Society of Authors (ASA), I am actively seeking opportunities with traditional publishers or agents as I have many more stories currently simmering away.
Pitch for Buddy
Buddy is Ethan’s most special bear who, tragically, disappears forever.
Without Buddy, Ethan doesn't want to go the Teddy Bears' picnic. His empathetic classmates know that loss this big can’t be ‘fixed’. To ensure Ethan’s not alone on the big day, best friend Toby comes up with a creative idea focusing on beautiful memories.
Buddy is an endearing, gentle story written for children aged 4-7; however, it will resonate with all ages. This is not a typical 'lost toy' story with a happy ending. Used symbolically, the message is transferable for understanding how to support people grieving significant, irreplaceable loss.
Artwork
I find it quite bizarre to refer to myself as an artist (50 year old emerging artist). While I've always loved expressing my creative side and have had the opportunity to design displays or newsletters in all of the administrative and library positions I've held, I've really never drawn or painted since I completed Art as a subject in Year 12 and was told by my teacher that I definitely wasn't artistic.
30 years later I attended some beginner drawing and watercolour classes in 2024 after being inspired by a friend. The calm I felt when drawing was indescribable. Although it's well documented that Art is a form of therapy, that fact had never really come to my attention, but I can assure you that it certainly works and I personally find the artistic process healing.
I've enjoyed attending workshops with Liisa Gosper (drawing), Mariska Fenner (watercolour), Jan Lawnikanis (coloured pencils), Cindy MacDonald (charcoal), Ron Bryant (oil), Diego Eguinlian (water colour) and Jeanne Cotter (pastel). I've learn new techniques from each of these talented artists and have evolved and incorporated their lessons into developing my style.
I've participated in the Incognito Art Show 2024 and 2025, the Bell Art Exhibition 2025 and the Downlands Art Show 2025 and received 2nd place in the Novice section of Toowoomba Royal Show 2025.
I find creating illustrations for my picture book manuscriptsi very find rewarding.
