Marigold’s Magic Stars is Samantha Wills’s first book for children. The strength and core of the story is the message about creativity, encapsulated by the catch cry, ‘art in smart’. The book shows what a child, here a young girl, could possibly achieve if they keep trying. Lavishly packaged and boxed, Marigold’s Magic Stars is a desirable Christmas and other gift.
Spread from Marigold’s Magic Stars
Thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog, Samantha.
Guest Author Post by Samantha Wills about Marigold’s Magic Stars
Growing up, I was always a very creative child. Academic subjects like maths and science didn’t come naturally to me, and I noticed how friends who excelled in these areas were praised as “smart” on their report cards or topped the class rankings. In a system that didn’t seem to recognise creativity as a form of intelligence, I found myself questioning my own abilities.
Marigold’s Magic Stars was born from this personal journey and captures the spirit of a child who finds her strength and intelligence in her artistic ideas and dreams. I wanted other creative kids to see the value in their creativity and to feel validated in their talents—reminding them that “you can’t spell smart without art.”
The story follows Marigold, a spirited, imaginative girl who adores creating. Her bedroom is her own magical emporium filled with beads, paint, and tools—treasures that help bring her ideas to life. When Marigold creates, she feels as if “stars are dancing through her heart and into her hands.” Yet, like many children, she faces moments of self-doubt, especially when she compares herself to friends who excel in traditional academics.
At its heart, Marigold’s Magic Stars celebrates creativity as its own form of intelligence. I wanted to show young readers—particularly those who may not fit the conventional definitions of “smart”—that their talents and ideas hold real value. Marigold learns this lesson through her mother and her aunts, who remind her, “You can’t spell smart without art”—a mantra I hope will inspire children to pursue their unique gifts.
The artwork, brought to life by the talented Emma Leonard, beautifully captures Marigold’s curiosity and joyful spirit. Emma’s illustrations reflect Marigold’s love for arts and crafts, from the little trinkets on her desk to the stars that seem to dance around her as she dreams. Together, we wanted to create a world where children can see their creativity as a magical and essential part of who they are.
Marigold’s Magic Stars is ultimately a love letter to creative children (and adults!) who need a reminder that their creativity is always within them, and that it has value. It’s a reminder that the stars inside us are guiding lights worth following—and that our creativity is as valuable as any other form of intelligence.
The first edition of Marigold’s Magic Stars comes in a limited-edition collector’s box, complete with a special note from me and a secret password to access an exclusive portal on marigoldsworld.com. I hope this story finds its way into the hearts and hands of children who might need a little reminder to embrace their creative dreams.
Samantha Wills (photo credit Scott Ehler)
Thank you for the opportunity to share Marigold’s journey here on Paperbark Words. My hope is that Marigold’s Magic Stars encourages young readers to embrace their creative hearts, and to know that, with a little courage, the stars within them will lead the way.
(Guest author post by Samantha Wills at Paperbark Words blog, in association with Benson Publicity)
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