Local children’s books author and Mosaic client Tracey Hicks never expected that a simple idea, sparked by her young second cousin’s love of dinosaurs, would one day lead to thousands of books being read by families, schools and libraries across Australia and around the world.
What began as a small creative spark has grown into a powerful way for Tracey to share messages of empathy, resilience, and belonging with children everywhere.
Tracey is passionate about showing that having a disability doesn’t limit who you can be or what you can achieve. She wants young readers to understand that everyone does things in their own way, and that difference is completely normal. Her books carry that message through vibrant illustrations and heartfelt stories that teach resilience, self‑belief and respect for people who move, learn, or experience the world differently.
“I wanted to tell my story in a way children could understand,” Tracey explains. “Growing up, I felt different. I walked different. But I still achieved so many things’ people thought I wouldn’t. I wanted kids to see that anything is possible”, said Tracey.
A little support goes a long way
Tracey’s writing journey began quietly, with her typing out stories inspired by her childhood experiences. She had idea, passion and determination, but turning those ideas into a real children’s book felt overwhelming.
After finishing the first draft of Don’t Guffaw at a Dinosaur, Tracey realised she wasn’t sure what to do next. She had a story to tell; she just needed the right support to bring it to life.
That support arrived when she connected with Mosaic Community Care.
Tracey shared her dream with her Mosaic support workers. She knew what she wanted her books to be, but she wasn’t sure how to take the ideas from her computer and bring them into reality. Her support workers instantly loved the concept, and their encouragement gave her the confidence she needed not to give up.
“When I brought it to Mosaic’s support workers, they encouraged me. With support behind me, the words just started to flow,” Tracey says.
With Mosaic and the family by her side, Tracey continued developing her ideas, organising her drafts and learning the many steps involved in self‑publishing. Her support workers helped her break the process into manageable tasks, setting goals, structuring writing time, reviewing layouts, refining illustrations and preparing her book for printing.
It made such a difference having people around me who believed in what I was doing. They helped me go from wondering where to begin, to holding my first book in my hands.
Tracey Hicks
Books breaking disability barriers
Each of Tracey’s books carries a message rooted deeply in empathy, resilience and understanding
- Don’t Guffaw at a Dinosaur: Tracey’s first book uses colourful dinosaurs to teach teamwork, cooperation and kindness. Children learn that everyone has strengths, big or small, and that working together helps us all reach new heights.
- Biff the Bunny: This heartwarming story explores belonging, identity, and acceptance. Through Biff’s floppy ear, a gentle symbol of difference, Tracey opens conversations about inclusion and the importance of finding community.
- Use Some Gumption, Don’t Make Assumptions: Inspired by Tracey’s real-life experiences using a walker and now a wheelchair, this book encourages children to look beyond appearances. It reminds kids not to assume what someone can or cannot do, and to let people speak for themselves.
- I Can and I Will Hill: Tracey’s most personal book shares her journey of determination and learning to walk as a child. With family encouragement, she grew stronger each day, a message she now passes on to any child who feels overwhelmed by challenges.
Images of Tracey Hicks’ books: Don’t Guffaw at a Dinosaur, Biff the Bunny, Use Some Gumption Don’t Make Assumptions, and I can and I will Hill.
Inspiring the next generation
Today, Tracey estimates she has more than 8,000 books circulating worldwide, reaching children in Australia, the United States, Canada, Kenya, India and beyond. Her stories have become a gentle doorway into conversations about disability, resilience and kindness, both at home and in classrooms.
Whether she’s reading to a room full of Year Ones or collaborating with young illustrators, Tracey is committed to uplifting others through creativity and connection.
Her mission is simple: to help children understand that differences are not barriers, they are invitations to support one another.
And with more books on the way, Tracey’s journey is only just beginning. To check out or buy Tracey’s books, contact traceyh84@hotmail.com
Start scoring your life goals
If you or someone you know could benefit from personalised NDIS support to pursue creative, social or personal goals, Mosaic is here to help.
Our team works alongside with people with disability and their support network, empowering them to explore their interests and build meaningful connections in the community.
If you want to know how Community Access and Support can help you, you can contact us on 08 9314 8900. You also can book an appointment with our team, and we will do our best to offer the right support.