Ten-year-old Amanda Green loves drawing in her sketchbook - a private haven filled with her most precious dreams and shades of purple. Only her cat, Simeon, and her best friend, Lily, have seen its pages.


But when Lily moves away, Amanda faces the challenge of befriending Alex, the new neighbor whose unpredictable moods and sharp comments keep Amanda guessing.


Book One of the Amanda and Simeon Series.

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As a former Year 5 teacher, I know how much children this age enjoy stories with secrets and real-life friendships. Amanda’s story will take them on a relatable and engaging journey - one that shows what it means to be brave, honest and open to new connections. They’ll see themselves in her and want to keep reading.

Stacey Myers
A story about
Ten-year-old Amanda Green loves drawing in her sketchbook—a private haven filled with her most precious dreams and shades of purple. Only her cat, Simeon, and her best friend, Lily, have seen its pages. But when Lily moves away, Amanda faces the challenge of befriending Alex, the new neighbor whose unpredictable moods and sharp comments keep Amanda guessing.
Unsure if she can trust her, Amanda wonders if sharing her art might spark a true connection—or leave her feeling more alone than ever.

Perfect for fans of Wish by Barbara O'Connor and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, this heartfelt middle-grade novel explores the courage it takes to be yourself.
Global book award finalist (Children's General Fiction).

  • The characters

  • The plot

  • STUDY GUIDE

The Characters

  • Amanda is a creative 10-year-old who loves to draw but keeps her art hidden, afraid of what others might say. With her loyal cat Simeon at her side, she learns to find courage and express herself, even when friendships get complicated.
  • Simeon is Amanda’s wise and gentle black-and-white cat who offers silent support—and sometimes surprising insight—when Amanda struggles with friendship and self-confidence. He’s more than a pet; he’s a true friend who helps Amanda listen to her inner voice.
  • Lily is Amanda’s kind, steady best friend who moves away at the start of the story. Though far apart, she remains a source of encouragement and understanding as Amanda faces new challenges.

Deborah Witherell loves helping kids discover their strengths - both in school and in life. A learning specialist and parent educator, she’s spent years encouraging children to see mistakes as stepping stones and curiosity as their superpower.
When she’s not writing stories about brave, big-hearted kids like Amanda (and her wise cat, Simeon), you’ll find Deborah exploring forest trails, collecting story ideas under the redwoods, or reading with her orange tabby, Shanti, curled beside her.
She believes every child has a secret spark waiting to be found - and every good story helps light the way.

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Download the first chapter of

Amanda and Simeon

Chapter 01

I sat on my bed listening to chirping crickets in the back yard, the tick-tick-tick of the big grandfather clock downstairs and the steady hum of Mom’s sewing machine. I listened for my sister Vivian practicing her flute in the bedroom next to mine. But she was away at college. Her room was dark and quiet. Sometimes our little house seemed too big and empty.

Chapter 01

I sat on my bed listening to chirping crickets in the back yard, the tick-tick-tick of the big grandfather clock downstairs and the steady hum of Mom’s sewing machine. I listened for my sister Vivian practicing her flute in the bedroom next to mine. But she was away at college. Her room was dark and quiet. Sometimes our little house seemed too big and empty.