Belong by Sharon Seymour, illustrated by Freya Goldsmith

Title: Belong

Author: Sharon Seymour, illustrated by Freya Goldsmith

Genre: Contemporary

Publisher: Dirt Lane Press/WestWords Children’s

Published: 1^st April 2026

Format: Hardcover

Pages:28

Price: $24.95

Synopsis: A gentle tale about how finding friends and fitting in, written by Sharon Seymour and brought to life by Freya Goldsmith’s striking illustrations. Sharon Seymour ardently advocates for children’s literature and the role it plays in shaping young minds. As a Teacher Librarian, she has spent years fostering a love of books among students. She is a reviewer for the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge and Reading Time, and her articles and short stories have appeared in children’s magazines and anthologies. This picture book marks her debut as an author in the genre she loves most.

Freya Goldsmith is a first-time illustrator and multi-media artist with a passion for storytelling and finding the subtle whimsy of everyday life. Raised with the pages of incredible Australian authors and illustrators, creating Belong was a childhood dream come true.

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Belong is a gentle tale for readers of all ages about fitting in, and wanting to fit in. The main character – I think it’s meant to be a bird – just wants to fit it in. They don’t like standing out, so they’re looking for a way to blend in, hide and a way to see where they belong.

As they explore the world of belonging and being part of a community, they realise that everyone is different. Everyone brings something unique to the table, to their family and friendship groups. Because we all want to blend in at times, and be part of something. Not everyone likes standing out or being in the spotlight.

Yet it is the differences that make these characters fit in with their world and belong with each other. They’re the ones that make things interesting for everyone, and make the world interesting. And it shows that everyone belongs somewhere, and that we can all belong in different ways wherever we go in life. It’s about being yourself and finding your people.

It’s gorgeous with a simple colour palate that evokes the emotions of wanting to fit in, wanting to be part of something and not wanting to stand out too much. We all want to belong somewhere and be part of something, be part of a community and not be alone. This is what this book does – shows readers that whatever they feel about themselves, there is always going to be somewhere they belong.

Messages like this are powerful in books for all ages, especially in today’s world where things are increasingly divisive, where the powerful are trying to silence those who are starting to find their voice. It’s a quiet way of promoting advocacy and inclusivity to readers of all ages, and works towards creating a better world.

Fiction can be a great place to explore complex emotions and feelings, ensuring that everyone is heard as they should be.