Welcome to Little Star Design Studio
Hi, I’m Sam—writer, illustrator, and the founder of Little Star Design Studio. As a parent, teacher, or therapist, you know how crucial it is to equip children with the tools they need to navigate their emotions and build resilience. I started Little Star Design Studio to provide those tools—science-backed, teacher-approved resources that help children thrive..

Growing up, I experienced anxiety, fear, and frustration firsthand. These struggles gave me a deep empathy for children navigating big emotions without the right support. When I became a mum, this understanding grew into a mission. Like many parents, I wanted to raise my daughter with the skills to manage her emotions, but the resources I found often fell short. They lacked the simplicity, creativity, and depth needed to truly engage children and teach essential skills.

That gap inspired me to use my background in graphic and editorial design, along with my passion for children’s mental health, to create resources that really work—for families, classrooms, and therapy sessions. Little Star Design Studio began with my first illustrated book, Mila Bug, in 2015, and has since grown into a trusted source for creative, research-based materials that empower children and the adults supporting them.

My Training and Expertise
Over the years, I’ve developed my professional skills and deepened my understanding of emotional resilience, child development, and mental health. My qualifications include:

• Art Therapy

• Coping with Change

• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Through Play

• Children’s and Young People’s Mental Health

These certifications, combined with hands-on experience as a parent and designer, allow me to create resources that are not only effective but also engaging and adaptable for use at home, in schools, or in therapeutic settings.

Our Mission at Little Star Design Studio
Our goal is to create flexible, high-quality tools that support emotional well-being in children aged 4-8. Whether it’s through our books, printable activities, or upcoming craft boxes, every resource is thoughtfully designed to address key aspects of emotional development.

We cover topics such as:

• Overcoming fear and anxiety

• Navigating loss and grief

• Building connections and healthy sibling relationships

• Promoting digital resilience and online safety

Our resources are adaptable—ideal for parents at home or teachers in the classroom. They’re designed to reduce the stress of planning and implementing social and emotional learning (SEL) while engaging children with relatable stories, characters, and creative activities.

If joining the Little Star Design Studio constellation is something that interests you, please get in touch at: design@littlestar.studio

See the full Little Star Design Studio product range here.

If you want to hear from me from time to time you can sign up for my newsletter here.

What’s New at Little Star Design Studio

• Coming Soon: The Little Star Craft Box
  A monthly subscription box designed to help children explore emotions, build confidence, and develop resilience through hands-on, screen-free activities. Perfect for parents looking to add mindful play to their routines.

• A Big Update to Our Digital Resilience Books
  Online safety has never been more important. Our updated Digital Resilience Collection features fresh designs and new content, helping children navigate the online world with confidence and empathy.

• Coming Soon: The Little Star Craft Club
  The Little Star Craft Club is a welcoming space where children aged 4-8 can explore their emotions and build resilience through mindfulness practices and hands-on creative activities. Sign up to our newsletter to find out when and how to book your place.