When I first chanced upon Brit Claire Grove’s Instagram page, I was so attracted to her beautiful profile. She had her work for different magazines on display and also her stylish OOTDs and her life in New Zealand to tease us.
I commented on her photos and was so pleased to see her replying sincerely. When she posted about the children’s books that she’s published, I knew I had to get them for my little girl.
We met in leafy Wimbledon Village when she visited the UK, her old hometown and where I happened to live by too! We had a gorgeous Sunday brunch and chatted like we’ve known each other for years! Isn’t that amazing when you chance upon a stranger and feel like you’re already friends for long?
She passed a beautiful package to me of her two books and some other little “My Mummy Loves’ gifts. I cannot believe how super attractive her books are! These books, I have to say, are probably one of the rare books I would like for myself as an adult!
I purposely packed these books aside for our move to Spain, thinking we’ll be away for a bit and I wanted some attractive books to keep 6-year-old Ayla’s attention. We’ve had so much fun focusing on each page and discussing the way she’s painted each item, besides reading the words. Every book has a little fun activity for you and your little one to do. (The more I read them, the more fascinated I am with each bag/shoes she’s drawn!)
some pages to share with you so you can see why this mummy wishes these books were hers! 😉
Here’s a little interview with Clare:
1) Where does the inspiration for the books come from?
I’ve always been mad about shoes and bags from a very early age (a hint in the titles of the books!). When my first daughter Sienna was born, I thought how lovely it would be to read a book to her all about shoes and bags and the journey the mother and daughter would go on to find them. It took me until she was 7 to finally realize my dream and self-publish my first book, ‘My Mummy Loves Shoes’.
2) there be another my mummy loves (makeup/perfume bottles etc)?
I’d love there to be another book in the Mummy Loves series, but life as a recently single mum and my styling and influencer work takes up most of my time. I have sketched a few pages for ‘My Mummy Loves Hats’, and have the draft story done, It’s just finding those extra hours in the day to sit down and illustrate!
3) What are your plans for the future?
There are many exciting projects on the horizon. I’ve just finished a bespoke illustration for the personal shopper at Selfridges, London for him to give to his clients. Creating something for one of my favourite department stores was a dream. I’m currently working on logo designs for a luxury dog boutique based here in Auckland. I’m so pleased with the designs so far. I’m taking part in the Pink Star Walk in a couple of weeks (sponsored by Estée Lauder) that raises awareness for breast cancer. The day after the event I fly to Queenstown to work on a styling job. It’s busy juggling work and life with my amazing children but that’s how I love it!
If you are a fashion mama who wants to pass on the love of beautiful shoes and bags through exquisitely hand-painted books, or just want to get to know more of Clare’s work, do visit her site: http://www.my-mummy-loves.com/