PHOTO: Natalia Morris, author and illustrator of Quest for Cookies, captured by photographer Kyle Morris.
A Journey Of Heartfelt Tales, Whimsy, And Artistic Wonder
Natalia Morris discusses her inspirations, creative process, and successes in children’s literature and illustration, revealing how baking, family, and her unique techniques enrich her vibrant stories.
Natalia Morris crafts her stories with an unmistakable blend of whimsy, warmth, and wonder. Her debut as both author and illustrator, Quest for Cookies, brims with charm, pairing playful rhymes with expressive, vibrant illustrations. Behind every one of her creations lies a deep connection to family, memory, and imagination. A musician of narrative and image, Natalia invites us into a world where the fantastical feels comforting and relatable, beckoning readers of all ages to adventure with a touch of magic.
Her artistry is not confined to her pen or Procreate sketches—it spills into the recipes in her stories, the vegetables in her garden, and her reflections on universal themes. With Quest for Cookies, Natalia intertwines personal threads with expansive ideas, a balance of childhood curiosities and adult insight that resonates across generational divides. The laughter in lavender cookies, the energy of a multicultural forest, and a heart-warming nod to grandparents remind us that sweetness is often woven into life’s most tender relationships.
As Natalia continues her journey, her creative instincts evolve, yet remain firmly rooted in authenticity. From illustrating for other authors to expanding her portfolio, her philosophy is as inspiring as her work: to create only what the heart insists on, and to infuse every brushstroke, rhyme, and detail with love. This essence of connection, curiosity, and craft shines brightly through her art, inviting readers and aspiring creators alike to revel in stories that celebrate the joy of discovery.
In Quest for Cookies, what inspired Gnomey’s love for lavender cookies, and how did you weave multicultural elements into the narrative?
Gnomey’s love of lavender cookies comes straight from a special place in my heart. My grandmother makes these delicious cookies for me anytime I go over to visit. I tried to infuse a lot of myself into both the story and the Gnomey character. I believe that stories based partly in the real world are more impactful for readers.
As for the multicultural aspect, the book’s heart has a universal message: grandparents are awesome and deserve our time and attention. Too often, life gets busy and those grandparent-grandchild relationships fade. But across cultures, there’s deep value in honouring our elders. I wanted to reflect that in a way that speaks to kids everywhere.
Your illustrations are richly detailed—what techniques or media did you use to bring Gnomey’s world to life?
The entire book was illustrated on my iPad using a platform called Procreate. I drew inspiration from a Domestika course taught by children’s book author and illustrator, Ramona Wultschner. I also applied a technique I learned while earning my Fine Art Diploma. This technique is simply “do not completely render something and then move on, work on the piece as a whole”. As an example, if drawing a portrait, one should not completely render the eyes before working on the rest of the face because the eyes will feel out of place. I carried that approach through the entire book. It’s a small detail, but it helps the illustrations feel cohesive and alive.
The book hit #1 in the multicultural children’s charts—how did that success shape your creative path?
That milestone was huge. Not only did it affirm my storytelling, but it opened doors. I was invited to illustrate You Are Not Your Meltdown by Desirea Binning, which required a completely different artistic style. That challenge was incredibly rewarding and made me realise I wanted to pursue illustration more seriously. Since then, I’ve revamped my website, expanded my portfolio, and started marketing myself as a professional children’s book illustrator.
You recently celebrated the book arriving in libraries—with eight holds! How did that feel?
Honestly? Like a warm hug from the universe. Having your work out there is one thing, but knowing people are actively waiting to read it is incredibly affirming. It made me feel like I’m on the right path—and gave me the confidence to keep exploring this creative avenue.
Baking features heavily in your social media—does it influence your storytelling or illustration process?
Absolutely! Baking is deeply woven into this book. Three of the recipes in Quest for Cookies are straight from my own kitchen. The lavender cookies are my grandmother’s, the raspberry muffins come from a generational recipe I now make with my daughter and husband, and Bean’s carrot cake is a party favourite. While future stories may branch into other themes, for this book, baking was one of the focal points.
As both author and illustrator, how do you balance narrative pacing with visual rhythm?
I always imagined reading the story aloud to my daughter (I was pregnant with her when I wrote and published the book). It has to sound the way I want it to feel—playful, silly, heartfelt. Interestingly, I actually illustrate first. The words come later and are moulded to match the energy and rhythm of the artwork. It’s an unusual approach, but for me, it ensures the visuals and text dance together on the page.
What was the most challenging scene to create in Quest for Cookies, and how did you push through it?
Definitely the spooky mushroom forest. I had a vivid image in my head, but translating that to paper was tricky. It required several “mushroom studies” before I got it right. I just kept sketching until it matched the vision. That page taught me that persistence really pays off—and that fungi are harder to draw than you think.
What advice would you give to aspiring children’s authors and illustrators?
My advice would be to only make something if you really believe in your product. I think that applies to a lot of things outside of the literary world also. If you are producing something that does not come from your heart, it will show. In this case, readers will not be as invested in what you have to say. Your illustrations won’t be as captivating. Create something because you have a vision and love what you do. Love your work and others will too.
