Dr Danielle Camer’s journey to creating her debut picture book, Sophie Won’t Sleep, is one of heart, determination, and love. In 2023, her book earned the prestigious Gold Moonbeam Award for Best First Book – Picture Book, a recognition that highlights the magic she poured into this story.
We sat down with Dr Camer to learn more about her journey to becoming an author, the inspiration behind her work, and the challenges she overcame to create a story that now sits proudly on bookshelves worldwide.
What Winning the Moonbeam Award Means to Dr Camer
Winning a Gold Moonbeam Award for her first picture book was a significant milestone for Dr Camer. “It means so much to me personally in recognizing the heart and soul that I put into creating this book as the author, producer, and creative director,” she shares. For Dr Camer, this isn’t just a professional achievement—it’s a tribute to her family, especially her late husband, Clint.
“Exactly two years after I published Sophie Won’t Sleep on the 1st December 2023, my husband and Sophie’s loving Dad, Clint, tragically died aged 37 from cancer. Sophie Won’t Sleep forever captures the love of our family of three and helps keep Clint’s legacy alive.”
Professionally, this award has brought much-deserved attention to Dr. Camer’s work, not just for Sophie Won’t Sleep but also for her more recent book, Squirrel Takes the Cake.
Shock and Awe
Dr Camer was thrilled when she learned she had won. “I was so shocked to win 1st place in the Best First Book – Picture Book category as the talent of the entries is exceptional,” she explains.
As an Australian author, she also felt honored to receive recognition from an international competition. “It is a privilege to win an award based in the USA,” she adds. This achievement has solidified her place in the world of children’s literature, inspiring her to continue creating stories that resonate with readers around the globe.
The Inspiration Behind Sophie Won’t Sleep
The story of Sophie Won’t Sleep has its roots in Dr Camer’s own family life. Inspired by her daughter Sophie’s bedtime struggles, Dr Camer created a charming sloth family to bring the story to life. “The main plot of the story is that it’s bedtime for Sophie sloth! But she wants treetop adventures instead. Will Sophie ever make it to bed?”
Before the book was published, it was a cherished family tradition. “My husband and I would perform the story to Sophie using sloth toys, taking on the roles of Mummy Sloth or Daddy Sloth,” Dr Camer shares. The story became so beloved in their household that Sophie began asking for a real book. “From when she was 2 years old, Sophie kept asking when Sophie Won’t Sleep would become an actual book that she could keep on her bookshelf. I was driven to make this dream come true and swiftly made it happen.”
Developing the Story
Even though Dr Camer had extensive experience as a professional writer and creative director in medical advertising, creating a picture book was an entirely new challenge. To prepare, she took courses at the Australian Writers’ Centre, which helped refine her skills and shape her vision.
Dr Camer approached the process with determination and care. “I researched the ins and outs of publishing a book, staying true to my vision the whole way. I hired an art director, illustrator, and editor then used a printing and distribution service to get copies of my book ready for release.” Her background and willingness to learn played a key role in transforming Sophie Won’t Sleep into the beautiful book it is today.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Dr Camer’s journey wasn’t without its difficulties. Right around the time the book was released, she faced a major health crisis. “I ended up in hospital with sepsis,” she recalls. Unable to launch the book as planned, she found a creative way to keep promoting her work.
“I brought some copies with me into hospital along with some promotional bookmarks. I displayed the books on a side table, showing them to healthcare professionals and other hospital workers from my bed. I even managed to sell a few copies!” Once she recovered, Dr Camer held several successful bookstore launches, demonstrating her resilience and passion for sharing her story.
Messages Inside the Story
At its core, Sophie Won’t Sleep is a story that holds many lessons. The book also introduces readers to the vibrant rainforest environment of Costa Rican sloths.
“What sets this book apart is how this charming tale deals with important themes of independence, making decisions, rules and routines, and family relationships,” Dr Camer explains. “By the end of this book, you will feel warm and fuzzy and be inspired to read more picture book stories.”
Tips for Aspiring Authors
Dr Camer has a simple but powerful message for anyone dreaming of writing their own book: “If you have a story to share, make it happen.”
Her journey shows that with perseverance and a willingness to learn, anything is possible.
What’s Next for Dr Danielle Camer?
Dr Camer has many exciting projects on the horizon. In September 2025, she will be one of the authors featured in the Dreams & Determination Anthology, published by Women Changing the World Press. She’s also working on a new children’s picture book, That Doesn’t Go, based on an idea her husband Clint came up with while in palliative care.
“This was a story he had planned to write with our daughter, Sophie, but sadly, he never got the chance. I’m thankful Sophie and I could write the words for him to honour his legacy,” Dr Camer shares.
Submit Your Work Today
When asked what she would say to someone considering submitting their work to the Moonbeam Awards, Dr Camer’s response was simple yet powerful:
“I would encourage anyone who has published a book to take the opportunity to enter.”
Her words highlight the importance of believing in your work and putting it out into the world. The Moonbeam Awards are a unique platform for authors to gain recognition for their efforts, connect with a broader audience, and celebrate the impact of their stories.
With more stories in the works, Dr Camer’s journey is just beginning. Through her books, she continues to inspire young readers and remind us all of the enduring power of family, love, and imagination!
