Through playful storytelling and vibrant moments of discovery, the book invites children to explore how different cultures celebrate together, and how joy, community and connection can be found in every corner of the globe.
Here, Alysia shares with Kids' Book Review the inspiration behind her debut, her journey into picture book writing, and what she hopes young readers will take away from the story.
Here, Alysia shares with Kids' Book Review the inspiration behind her debut, her journey into picture book writing, and what she hopes young readers will take away from the story.
Q. Alysia your professional background is in primary school education. Was there a particular moment or experience in your teaching life that sparked the idea to write Celebration Festival?
As a teacher I taught many units on celebrations around the world, but at the time I found it challenging to locate picture books that combined a wide range of festivals with factual information, while still having an underlying narrative.
As a teacher I taught many units on celebrations around the world, but at the time I found it challenging to locate picture books that combined a wide range of festivals with factual information, while still having an underlying narrative.
This sparked the idea for Celebration Festival, and it also inspired me to include unique and quirky celebrations that the students seemed to get a kick out of, such as Chocolate Month or Nachos Day.
Q. The book is a fun-filled journey through global celebrations and festivals. Why do you think stories about celebration and community are important for young readers?
They help readers see themselves while also celebrating differences and promoting inclusivity. Celebrations create a sense of connection and belonging and help form lifelong memories.
Q. What challenges did you face while deciding on the tone and rhythm of the text for young readers, or which celebrations to include?
It was important that the tone shifted to suit the nature of each celebration—remaining respectful and gentle for culturally significant events, while allowing more playful, energetic language for the lighter, quirky celebrations.
I loved the idea of presenting the book in a yearly calendar format. However, one challenge was that some celebrations fall on different dates each year, so a handful had to be excluded from the main calendar pages. (Spoiler alert—this is what makes the ending so special!)
Q. What was the most exciting or surprising part of the journey from manuscript to published book for you as a debut author?
How quickly everything happens once the book is published! From the launch to bookshop visits, signings, festivals, interviews and school bookings—it all moves so fast.
And of course, holding your 'book baby' in your arms is the best feeling in the world … apart from holding your real baby, of course. (Better clarify that for the sake of my children!)
Q. Did the story change much from your first draft to the final version of Celebration Festival?
There were many revisions along the way. With a story that covers such a wide range of cultures and celebrations, it was important to be thoughtful, culturally aware and sensitive.
We wanted to include as many celebrations as possible, however, picture books can only hold so many words. This meant making some tough decisions about what to include.
Q. What message or feeling do you hope young readers take away after reading Celebration Festival?
Everyone belongs. Everyone is unique, and if you open your eyes, your mind and your heart, you might discover something new to celebrate.
Q. Now that your debut book is out in the world, are you working on any new stories or picture book ideas?
Yes! I have so many new ideas and stories I would love to share with the world. Publishers, feel free to DM me …
Q. The book is a fun-filled journey through global celebrations and festivals. Why do you think stories about celebration and community are important for young readers?
They help readers see themselves while also celebrating differences and promoting inclusivity. Celebrations create a sense of connection and belonging and help form lifelong memories.
Q. What challenges did you face while deciding on the tone and rhythm of the text for young readers, or which celebrations to include?
It was important that the tone shifted to suit the nature of each celebration—remaining respectful and gentle for culturally significant events, while allowing more playful, energetic language for the lighter, quirky celebrations.
I loved the idea of presenting the book in a yearly calendar format. However, one challenge was that some celebrations fall on different dates each year, so a handful had to be excluded from the main calendar pages. (Spoiler alert—this is what makes the ending so special!)
Q. What was the most exciting or surprising part of the journey from manuscript to published book for you as a debut author?
How quickly everything happens once the book is published! From the launch to bookshop visits, signings, festivals, interviews and school bookings—it all moves so fast.
And of course, holding your 'book baby' in your arms is the best feeling in the world … apart from holding your real baby, of course. (Better clarify that for the sake of my children!)
Q. Did the story change much from your first draft to the final version of Celebration Festival?
There were many revisions along the way. With a story that covers such a wide range of cultures and celebrations, it was important to be thoughtful, culturally aware and sensitive.
We wanted to include as many celebrations as possible, however, picture books can only hold so many words. This meant making some tough decisions about what to include.
Q. What message or feeling do you hope young readers take away after reading Celebration Festival?
Everyone belongs. Everyone is unique, and if you open your eyes, your mind and your heart, you might discover something new to celebrate.
Q. Now that your debut book is out in the world, are you working on any new stories or picture book ideas?
Yes! I have so many new ideas and stories I would love to share with the world. Publishers, feel free to DM me …
Title: Celebration Festival
Author: Alysia Kelly
Illustrator: Ruth-Mary Smith
Publisher: Larrikin House
Publication Date: 28 January 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781923345232
For ages: 4 - 8 years
Type: Picture Book
Author: Alysia Kelly
Illustrator: Ruth-Mary Smith
Publisher: Larrikin House
Publication Date: 28 January 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781923345232
For ages: 4 - 8 years
Type: Picture Book