My name is Michelle Karpus. I am an artist, children’s author, and mental health worker with a Master’s degree in Professional Writing. My creative work focuses on supporting children’s emotional development through storytelling and visual art.
Through my experience working in mental health, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges young children face when trying to recognise and express their feelings. In response, I create accessible, engaging stories accompanied by expressive, colourful illustrations that help children relate to emotional experiences and build confidence in understanding their own wellbeing.
My stories are often told from the perspective of animals, allowing complex emotions to be explored in a gentle, imaginative, and developmentally appropriate way. This approach encourages empathy, reflection, and emotional literacy in young readers.
In addition to picture book storytelling, I have developed a series of illustrated “emotion cards” designed to support children, adults, and individuals with learning difficulties in identifying and processing feelings. My work is informed by both professional experience and personal insight, combining artistic expression with therapeutic intention.
Through my writing and artwork, I aim to create meaningful, emotionally supportive resources that empower children to understand themselves and the world around them.
Through my experience working in mental health, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges young children face when trying to recognise and express their feelings. In response, I create accessible, engaging stories accompanied by expressive, colourful illustrations that help children relate to emotional experiences and build confidence in understanding their own wellbeing.
My stories are often told from the perspective of animals, allowing complex emotions to be explored in a gentle, imaginative, and developmentally appropriate way. This approach encourages empathy, reflection, and emotional literacy in young readers.
In addition to picture book storytelling, I have developed a series of illustrated “emotion cards” designed to support children, adults, and individuals with learning difficulties in identifying and processing feelings. My work is informed by both professional experience and personal insight, combining artistic expression with therapeutic intention.
Through my writing and artwork, I aim to create meaningful, emotionally supportive resources that empower children to understand themselves and the world around them.
