The Books
My stories and illustrations are meant to help children feel like they are part of this big world. The books have themes of family, friendship, kindness, self-love, patience, and advocacy. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I loved making them.
Quest For Cookies
Written and illustrated by Natalia Morris
On a quiet afternoon, Gnomey receives a letter from someone special in his life. This letter is the catalyst for Gnomey to set out on a quest. Gnomey travels across the world and passes by many friends along the way. Throughout the story you learn about different life lessons this special someone has taught Gnomey in his life.
This book is written to inspire children to visit their grandparents more often. It also has themes of friendship, kindness, compassion, bravery, and authenticity.
You Are Not Your Meltdown
Written by Desirea Binning and illustrated by Natalia Morris
This heartfelt children’s book reminds young readers that overwhelming emotions don’t define who they are. Written from the compassionate voice of a caregiver to their child, the story exudes unconditional love and support. This empowering narrative helps neurodivergent kids navigate big feelings with compassion and self-acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you available for hire?
Yes, I am available for hire! I am available for hire as an illustrator to make your children’s book dreams come true. I can also make custom works of art with physical media such as a drawing on paper or paint on canvas if you had a specific project in mind.
Where do you pull your inspiration from?
I am greatly influenced by people in my life, video games, fantasy novels, and children’s cartoons.
When will my next book be released?
Sometime this year! Date is TBD.
Are signed copies available?
Keep an eye out for updates about where you can find me at local book signings, library reading events, and markets. I am always happy to sign a copy for you.
Reviews
Quest For Cookies review from Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite – 5 Star Review
“Quest for Cookies by Natalia Morris tells the story of Gnomey and his quest to find his favorite lavender cookies. When he gets a letter from his grandma, he sets out to visit her—he thinks he might miss her just a little more than he misses her cookies! The journey is a long way, but Gnomey decides to take a shortcut. His travels take him over the troll river, through mushroom forests, across the sea, through the dragon’s lair, and even to the moon. But his journey teaches him a lot as he makes new friends along the way and forges connections he’ll never forget.
Quest for Cookies is written and illustrated by Natalia Morris and is a thoroughly enjoyable, cute story. I like the way some of the words were designed to reflect the actual meaning, making it fun for children to follow. Young readers are going to love this magical story, with lots of laughter and love along the way, and they’ll learn the value of small acts of kindness. The illustrations pop from the pages and really bring the events to life, filled with magic and color. Natalia has created a wonderful character in Gnomey that young readers the world over will love, and this is one story they will want you to read to them time and again—they’ll never tire of it. An amazing story, perfect for a bedtime read, but kids will love it any time of the day.”
Literary Titan – 5 Star Review
“At the end of a dusty little trail lies a charming mushroom dwelling that is home to one friendly but somewhat lonely gnome. When Gnomey receives a letter from his beloved grandmother inviting him to pay her a visit and indulge in his favorite sweet treat, he jumps at the opportunity. Gnomey sets off on what can only be described as an enviable adventure as he heads for Grandma Ruth’s house and her famous lavender cookies.
Quest for Cookies, written and illustrated by Natalia Morris, takes young readers on a fantastic journey through the forest, across the ocean, and over the moon alongside Gnomey, a sweet-natured little gnome who is always thinking of others and is sure to lend a hand whenever the need arises. Children will, no doubt, find themselves drawn to Gnomey’s adventurous spirit and will marvel at the bravery and quick wit he displays in his close encounter with a dragon.
Morris has gifted readers with a picture book that is truly visually stunning. There is a delightful softness to the colorful imagery, and it complements the innocence of Gnomey’s tale in the most wonderful way. I love the way Morris added illustrations within the text to emphasize the meaning of certain words. This is a fabulous tool for beginning readers who need to make connections to new vocabulary.
In addition, I have to say that Morris does not shy away from using more complex terms in her narrative. As a teacher, I could not be more pleased to see words like “monocled” and “expedition” included in the text. What wonderful opportunities for parents and teachers alike to have engaging conversations about new words!
It is often difficult to find children’s books that offer more complex verbiage with topics and characters young readers find relatable. Gnomey, Bean the bunny, and Grandma Ruth are the perfect cast of characters for budding readers, and the lovingly illustrated pages make it the ideal addition to a home or classroom library.”