Welcome to the home
of Lucy the Little Lion.
I’m Ryn MacDonald – the author and voice behind the Lucy the Little Lion series. Drawing on personal experience, I write picture books that help children feel safe, seen, and supported as they navigate the emotional challenges of separation and living in two homes.
The books.
Lucy the Little Lion books are available on Amazon. Visit my store to get your copy.
It’s not because of me
A gentle, reassuring story helping
kids understand their parents’
separation is not their fault.
I’m always home
A picture book that explores
the wish to stay together,
while gently introducing two-home life.
I don’t have to choose
A loving story that eases the guilt
kids sometimes feel when enjoying
time with parents separately.
Take a
peak inside.
Why these books matter.
Sometimes big feelings need a little help.
Created from lived experience.
These books are created with honesty, love, and deep emotional care. They are soft, sincere, and safe for little hearts.
Designed to start real conversations.
Each book helps children name their feelings, understand what’s happening, and talk about it with the grown-ups they trust.
Written for
young minds*
These stories are gently informed by child development principles, helping little ones process big emotions in safe and age-appropriate ways.
*These books are not a substitute for professional psychological support. They are
written by a parent, grounded in lived experience, and inspired by well-researched child
development principles.
They help with...
- Age-appropriate explanations for big life changes
- Comfort during times of uncertainty
- Reassurance that it’s not their fault
- Stronger connection between child and carer
- Emotional safety, even when life feels wobbly
FREE tools to help little lions thrive.
Separation is hard. Let’s make it easier.
Download my printable co parenting calendar, packing checklist, hard conversation starters, emotional affirmation posters, and more!
About the author.
Hi, I’m Ryn.
Creative Director, Mum and now Children’s Book Author. I never set out to write children’s books. But life has a way of nudging you toward the things that matter most.
When my daughter was just five months old, her dad and I separated. It was sudden and heartbreaking. Since then, she has only ever known life between two homes. But as she grew, she began to notice her family looked different. That’s when the questions started.
At first, I wrote these books just for her. To help her understand. To help me explain. They’re based on real moments, real questions, and real emotions we’ve navigated together. Lucy is the heart of this series. My fiercest little lion and my greatest inspiration.
The idea for the first book came when she looked up at me one day, so small and serious, and asked, “Is it because of me that you and Daddy don’t live together?” My heart shattered.
That moment sent me down a path where I discovered the concept of magical thinking. A beautiful stage of early childhood where children believe their thoughts and actions shape the world. But when hard things happen, like divorce, it can turn into self-blame.
That was the moment I knew I had to write these books for every child who needs to hear, “It’s not because of you.”
I’ve spent nearly 20 years as a Creative Director, thinking strategically, telling stories, building brands. So, communications is always what I’ve done. But writing picture books is a new chapter, and one that feels like home.
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What people
are saying.
Jane Teresa Anderson
Author Ninth Life
A delightful rhyming tale delivering a loving warm embrace for young children whose parents are negotiating separation or divorce. Tender, funny, and beautifully illustrated. A big-hearted story with a strong message: it’s not your fault, you are deeply loved.
This story really touched me. As a mum, I could immediately see how much comfort it would bring to a child going through separation. I was blown away by the way the words and illustrations work together so tenderly. It’s heartfelt, thoughtful, and a wonderful gift for co-parenting families.
Lesli Harslett
Mum & Art Director
When my wife and I split, our daughter was six. If you’re co-parenting and worried about how to explain separation to a little person, keep this book on the bedside table. It’s gentle, honest, and exactly the language I wish I’d had from day one.
Harley Fox
Co-parenting Dad
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