A captivating new children’s book, ‘Sunny and Stormy’, is set to charm young readers early next year, penned and illustrated by Sarah Holliday, whose artistic journey began amidst the rolling landscapes of Perthshire and the vibrant community of Dunblane. The highly anticipated tale, published by Flying Eye Books, is scheduled for release on February 5, 2026.
Sarah Holliday, a former pupil of Dunblane Primary School, drew significant inspiration from her childhood surroundings when crafting the magical world of her first book. The picturesque village featured in ‘Sunny and Stormy’ is a whimsical, simplified reflection of Braco, the Perthshire village where she spent her formative years. She describes it as a fantastical setting, complete with a meandering river, lush fields, gentle hills, and an abundance of trees—elements that distinctly echo the natural beauty of the Strathearn area. A Local Talent’s Journey
For Sarah, the seed of her passion for art and storytelling was sown early on during her time at Dunblane Primary. It was within those school walls, just a stone’s throw from her grandparents’ home, that her natural talent for drawing and imaginative narrative truly blossomed. This early encouragement proved pivotal, steering her towards a creative career path.
Her artistic pursuits led her to Dundee, where she enrolled in the esteemed animation program at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. While the course honed her skills, it also helped clarify her true calling. Sarah realised her greatest joy lay in the intricate design of characters and the creation of immersive scenery, rather than the often repetitive process of animation itself. This pivotal realisation set her firmly on the path to becoming an author-illustrator—a dream she had harboured since childhood. Perthshire’s Scenery Woven into the Narrative
The distinctive topography of both Stirlingshire and Perthshire, with their undulating hills and expansive fields, are vividly brought to life through Sarah’s detailed landscape illustrations in ‘Sunny and Stormy’. While the book avoids explicit Scottish markers, the visual storytelling undeniably carries the essence of the Central Scotland scenery that captivated her as a youngster. Readers in Perth and Kinross will undoubtedly recognise the familiar contours and atmospheric charm of their local environment reflected on the pages.
The narrative itself follows two enchanting sisters who possess the extraordinary ability to control the weather for a small village below. At its heart, the story is a heartwarming exploration of self-discovery, encouraging its magical protagonists to embrace their unique qualities and find acceptance within themselves. Inspiring Future Generations
Now residing in San Francisco with her husband, Sarah Holliday’s creative momentum shows no signs of slowing. Despite having only recently completed ‘Sunny and Stormy’, she is already brimming with ideas for future literary ventures aimed at children. Furthermore, she plans to challenge herself creatively by delving into the world of graphic novels, targeting an older demographic with more complex narratives.
Beyond her personal projects, Sarah actively shares her expertise by teaching drawing and illustration to a global audience through online classes, inspiring thousands of aspiring artists worldwide. Her journey, from discovering her artistic flair in a Dunblane classroom to publishing her first children’s book inspired by the Perthshire countryside, is a testament to the power of local roots and nurtured talent. The publication of ‘Sunny and Stormy’ marks a significant milestone in her career, promising delightful stories for families across Perth and Kinross and beyond.
Sarah Holliday, a former pupil of Dunblane Primary School, drew significant inspiration from her childhood surroundings when crafting the magical world of her first book. The picturesque village featured in ‘Sunny and Stormy’ is a whimsical, simplified reflection of Braco, the Perthshire village where she spent her formative years. She describes it as a fantastical setting, complete with a meandering river, lush fields, gentle hills, and an abundance of trees—elements that distinctly echo the natural beauty of the Strathearn area. A Local Talent’s Journey
For Sarah, the seed of her passion for art and storytelling was sown early on during her time at Dunblane Primary. It was within those school walls, just a stone’s throw from her grandparents’ home, that her natural talent for drawing and imaginative narrative truly blossomed. This early encouragement proved pivotal, steering her towards a creative career path.
Her artistic pursuits led her to Dundee, where she enrolled in the esteemed animation program at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. While the course honed her skills, it also helped clarify her true calling. Sarah realised her greatest joy lay in the intricate design of characters and the creation of immersive scenery, rather than the often repetitive process of animation itself. This pivotal realisation set her firmly on the path to becoming an author-illustrator—a dream she had harboured since childhood. Perthshire’s Scenery Woven into the Narrative
The distinctive topography of both Stirlingshire and Perthshire, with their undulating hills and expansive fields, are vividly brought to life through Sarah’s detailed landscape illustrations in ‘Sunny and Stormy’. While the book avoids explicit Scottish markers, the visual storytelling undeniably carries the essence of the Central Scotland scenery that captivated her as a youngster. Readers in Perth and Kinross will undoubtedly recognise the familiar contours and atmospheric charm of their local environment reflected on the pages.
The narrative itself follows two enchanting sisters who possess the extraordinary ability to control the weather for a small village below. At its heart, the story is a heartwarming exploration of self-discovery, encouraging its magical protagonists to embrace their unique qualities and find acceptance within themselves. Inspiring Future Generations
Now residing in San Francisco with her husband, Sarah Holliday’s creative momentum shows no signs of slowing. Despite having only recently completed ‘Sunny and Stormy’, she is already brimming with ideas for future literary ventures aimed at children. Furthermore, she plans to challenge herself creatively by delving into the world of graphic novels, targeting an older demographic with more complex narratives.
Beyond her personal projects, Sarah actively shares her expertise by teaching drawing and illustration to a global audience through online classes, inspiring thousands of aspiring artists worldwide. Her journey, from discovering her artistic flair in a Dunblane classroom to publishing her first children’s book inspired by the Perthshire countryside, is a testament to the power of local roots and nurtured talent. The publication of ‘Sunny and Stormy’ marks a significant milestone in her career, promising delightful stories for families across Perth and Kinross and beyond.