Seeing the World Like Baxter: An Interview with Kerri Cunningham

At Little Muddy Boots, we love stories that help families slow down, notice the world around them, and find joy in small wonders. That’s why we’re so excited to be partnering with Baxter’s View by author Kerri Cunningham, a heart warming story about curiosity, connection, and seeing the world through her son’s eyes.

To celebrate our collaboration with Fox & Ink Books , we sat down with Kerri to talk about her inspiration for Baxter’s View, the power of storytelling outdoors, and how parents can nurture mindfulness and imagination in everyday life.

1. What first inspired you to write Baxter’s View?
   
   I was inspired by my youngest son to write Baxter’s View. He is absolutely the happiest when he’s outside, whether that’s in the garden or at a park just out in the fresh air is his happy place. He was diagnosed with autism earlier on this year and we have had to adapt to his pace and learn to slow down a little. I think it was last summer holidays we’d been somewhere me and my three children and the idea just came to me, I sat down at my desk and I just wrote it all out (in it’s first form!) and I sent it over to my publishers and I’m so thankful they liked the idea and decided to publish it.

    

2. Can you tell us a little bit about Baxter and Rory, and how their story came to life?
   
   Baxter is inspired by my youngest son and Rory represents how the rest of the world can sometimes try to rush him. My eldest son wants the world to know that he isn’t Rory! But sometimes we all have a habit of rushing him, and it isn’t on purpose it’s just that we are so busy dashing here, there and everywhere and sometimes we forget to just slow down and take in what’s around us.
3. The book celebrates slowing down and noticing the world. Why do you think that message is so important for children (and grown-ups) today?

    

   I think this message is very important now more so than ever. We all have busy lives, and we’re trying to do so much, and sometimes we forget to just take a minute and slow down. There are so many simple joys around us if we just stop and notice them.

The Creative Process

1. What was your creative process like when developing Baxter’s View?
   
   As I said earlier I was inspired one day to write out the story, and once my publisher said yes then I had to refine it a little, then came the really fun part, the illustrations! I always had an idea of what Baxter would look like because it’s quite like my youngest son, I loved testing out drawing him and his different expressions. One of the most wonderful parts of the process was taking photographs of beautiful trees, parks, flowers etc to use as inspiration for the surroundings.
   
   
2. What was it like to bring your own story to life through your illustrations?

    

   As I said I loved bringing these characters to life, Baxter is based on my youngest and Rory does have a likeness to my eldest so to draw them in all these fun situations in the park was wonderful. I loved experimenting at the beginning of the process and finding their perfect expressions and outfits etc. And I loved bringing the park to life, I love nature and especially those late summer, early autumn flowers and trees so it was lovely to create those spaces for them to explore.

Family, Play and Outdoor Learning

1. As a mum, what do you think are the biggest benefits of outdoor play and exploration?

    

   Since becoming a Mum I’ve lived by the notion if you’re having a bad day… get outside! I used to walk for miles with my eldest in his carrier, or in his pram. We were so lucky we lived on the same road as something called Cuerden Valley which was essentially trees, paths, open spaces, and it just used to clear my head every day without fail. As he got older there was nothing we loved better than walking through there, jumping in puddles and exploring together. Now I’ve got three children , and especially with Bucky being outside is always the best way to spend a day.

2. What small things in nature make you pause and smile?
   
   Honestly everything in nature makes me smile, spending time with the kids outside is amazing but also I try to get for a walk or a run by myself as much as I can and I find myself stopping constantly to look up at trees, to listen to their leaves, to look at sunsets, to just breathe. I do truly love nature and I just think it can do so much for your mental health. I also love the way nature changes through out the year, I am obsessed with the seasons and you have to find something to love in each one.
3. How can storytelling help children build confidence and curiosity about the world around them?
   
   I think it’s so important to read books that inspire children to be out in nature, through storytelling or illustrations that spark their interest, books can really boost their curiosity and encourage them to get outside and find out for themselves.

Looking Ahead

1. What do you hope children and families take away from Baxter’s View after reading it together?

    

   I really hope that when children read Baxter’s View they’re inspired to get outside in nature, and to enjoy all the wonderful things it has to offer, and I hope very much that they take away the subtle message that everyone around us experiences things differently, and they may have a different view to you, they may go at a difference pace to you, and that is more than ok. I hope they learn to slow down a little and take in the beautiful views that surround them.

2. Can you share a glimpse of what you’re working on next, or what future adventures might be in store for Baxter?
   
   I’m about to start working on a book with Fox and Ink that will be out around this time next year. I would love to see more adventures for Baxter but for now I will continue to be inspired by nature and hopefully bring that into more stories in the future!
3. Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to parents about nurturing creativity and curiosity, what would it be?
   
   I would just say let them create, let it be messy, let it be imperfect just let it be their own creation! And don’t step in…. unless they ask, no matter how tempted you are to make it ‘right’.

Thank You, Kerri

A huge thank you to Kerri Cunningham for sharing her insights and her beautiful story with us. Baxter’s View reminds us all to pause, look a little closer, and appreciate the everyday moments that make life magical.

We can’t wait to welcome families to our special outdoor storytelling sessions inspired by Baxter’s View, where little explorers can enjoy nature walks, sensory scavenger hunts, and creative play inspired by Rory and Baxter’s adventures.

Ready to get outside and make some muddy memories?

Join us for a Baxter’s View storytelling session or book your next Little Muddy Boots class to explore the joy of stories in nature.
Book your class today →

In collaboration with Fox & Ink Books and Kerri Cunningham, author of Baxter’s View.

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Instagram: @foxandinkbooks | @murphys_sketches