I’ve chatted with Donna Ashworth on poetry, parenting, and her new children’s collection Words Can Fly.
Donna, congratulations on your debut children’s poetry collection Words Can Fly. What inspired you to write for children at this stage in your journey as a poet?
I’ve always wanted to return to the very beginning — the place where our mental wellness habits first take shape — and I believe poetry is a powerful tool to start with. Its beautiful simplicity has a way of cutting through the layers of small talk, reaching straight into the heart of what might otherwise be a difficult or delicate topic. Poetry brings light to our darker emotions and untangles the confusion in our thoughts and feelings. It gives us permission to feel. It fosters acceptance, nurtures self-worth, and cultivates empathy and compassion. The earlier we introduce it, the more deeply it can take root and help us grow.
You’ve described Words Can Fly as an “antidote to doom-scrolling” and a mindfulness tool for families. How do you hope this book will help children and their caregivers navigate today’s emotional climate?
The thing about social media and algorithms is that, rather than simply warning everyone about how harmful they can be—because let’s face it, they’re not going anywhere—we might be better off learning, and teaching our children, how to master the algorithm. If you train your feed to deliver content that’s positive and uplifting, it can become a valuable space for creativity, resilience, and self-acceptance. I truly believe algorithms can work beautifully in our favour, if we know how to guide them. It’s not so different from real life: we can choose to invite in more of what nourishes our soul, and gently say no to the things that weigh us down.
Many of your poems were shaped by real conversations with school children. Could you tell us about one of those moments that particularly stayed with you?
My sister was a primary school teacher for 25 years, until just last year. At one point, she decided to get her class involved in helping me come up with ideas for my poetry book. Naturally, kids have such vivid imaginations, and they filled the whiteboard with wonderfully wacky suggestions. Some were expected—Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, chocolate—while others were more unusual: sand at the beach, the moon at night, and even pineapple pizza. They were convinced I wouldn’t be able to turn pineapple pizza into a poem that inspired mental clarity or wellness. But that suggestion stood out immediately. It was the perfect way to talk about acceptance, about respecting others’ tastes and celebrating our differences. Life would be boring if we all liked the same things.
Your sister, a teacher, played a role in helping you connect with young voices. How important is it for poets to listen directly to the children they write for?
I think it’s incredibly important because we can easily become out of touch. My boys are a bit older now, but I’m not far removed from their younger days. My editor also arranged for me to speak to her daughter’s school, and the boys and girls were so enthusiastic. Lots of questions were asked and I received some great feedback. Poems like ‘Screen Time’ and ‘Smunday’ were based directly on what they told me they struggle with.
As a mother to two boys, one of whom is autistic and has ADHD, how have your personal parenting experiences influenced the themes in Words Can Fly?
All I know as a parent has been poured into this poetry book. The ways I floundered, the ways I may have succeeded—they’re all in there. The struggles we’ve had, the issues my friends have faced, the shared moments and support between parents—all of it has filtered through with love and care and found its way into the poems.
You’ve built an incredible community of over 1.8 million followers online and become a source of comfort for many during difficult times. What do you think draws people—adults and now children—to your words?
I decided very early on that this wasn’t about literary accolades. These are soul messages—simple phrases meant to cut through the busyness of our chaotic lives and speak straight to the heart. I wanted to make poetry useful for every day, not just high days or funerals. That concept—poetry as a gentle companion—seems to resonate.
Celebrity fans like Davina McCall and Robbie Williams have openly praised your work. What does it mean to you to see your poetry resonate so widely—from living rooms to classrooms to the celebrity world?
It’s been absolutely wonderful and deeply heartwarming. What’s surprised me most is the connection that’s come from it all. People I once thought were far out of reach have shown themselves to be incredibly kind and human. I’ve formed real friendships, even through fleeting messages. I genuinely believe that every person is simply a friend you haven’t met yet.
The illustrations by Eirinn McGuinness are beautiful. How did your collaboration come about, and how did it feel seeing your words brought to life visually for children?
My publisher introduced me to Eirinn after noticing the kind of artwork I tend to gravitate towards. Her style—intricate yet effortlessly simple—captures so much emotion with vibrant colour and delicate detail. I knew her work would resonate with children just as deeply as it did with me.
Words Can Fly touches on important themes such as friendship, confidence, identity, and grief. How did you choose which emotional milestones to focus on?
For this book, I made a conscious list—things my boys experienced, my own childhood memories, and concerns my friends were facing with their children. It’s an anthology for mental wellness, a companion for parents and children alike, no matter what they’re navigating.
You’ve published bestselling collections like Wild Hope and To The Women. How different was the creative process when writing for children, and did it challenge you in new ways?
It was a joy! I went even more ‘simple,’ added layers of fun, and let my imagination play freely. I made sure to include references to pets and animals. I truly loved every moment of the process. Children are wonderful—and I think this book is also for our inner children. Without that spark, life would be much duller.
What advice would you give to parents looking to spark a love of poetry in their children?
Let them see you enjoy it. Let it make you smile — or cry. Show them how helpful it can be in expressing emotion. Fun is the key, even with tough topics. If they see their parents embracing poetry, it’ll plant seeds in their soul gardens that will grow in time.
Do your sons give you feedback on your poems — and do you test new ideas on them first?
Sadly, no! They’re a little too old and too cool now. But when they were younger, we read voraciously—picture books, poetry, anything we could get our hands on. I’m so glad I cherished those times. Choosing a new book at the weekend was our special ritual.
Finally, if you could leave children with just one message from this book, what would it be?
Poetry is for everyone. It gives us permission to feel, to express, to be ourselves. It helps clear mental clutter and can say the things we struggle to voice. And above all, it’s fun. There’s no right or wrong. Be creative, be free. Poetry helps you be you — and me be me.
Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth, illustrated by Eirinn McGuinness, is out now, published by Templar Books.