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Andrea Thomas, an NHS worker and mother of three from Chelmsley Wood, is fulfilling an ambition to inspire children to learn by becoming a published author. 

By day, Andrea is a friendly face greeting people at reception at Heartlands Hospital’s Education Centre, and in her spare time, she dedicates time to creating engaging educational books for young children.  

As a mother of three, including an eight-year-old, Andrea is motivated by her experience as a parent putting together books to support their learning and emotional wellbeing as they grow up. 

So far, she has three published colouring books, which include ABC Alphabet, ‘Ocean Wonders’ and ‘Wonderful and Wild’ Zoo books, a Mermaid-themed notebook, and a ‘Be kind and be happy’ journal, all for children aged ranging four years and over.  

Andrea said: “I have three beautiful children, including an eight-year-old and am always educating them through their lives. As children, they learn as they grow, and I just thought it would be nice to help other children to do so through colouring books, journals and notebooks, in a fun, positive and creative way.  

“The ‘Be Kind and Be Happy’ journal prompts children with kindness and happiness quotes and affirmations every day as well as allowing them to write down kind and happy things that they have done on a day-to-day basis. 

“I believe that if we can teach children to be kind and happy at a young age, this could have a great impact on them growing up in life. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to use my creative flair and my experience as a parent.” 

Andrea started her NHS career at Heartlands Hospital ten years ago as a healthcare assistant on the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit.  She worked in recruitment for four years and then moved to the hospital’s Education Centre reception where she’s worked for four years.