Jesse Hewitt is on a mission to keep the magic of reading alive

In 2024 the Children’s Book Week Council is setting out to remind parents, educators, carers and children that when it comes to setting children up for a lifetime of imagination and learning, reading is magic.

Early childhood teacher and author Jesse Hewitt, creator of the Raymond the Racoon series understands all too well the joy and excitement which comes from mixing a group of eager children with a high quality picture book. 

“Watching their faces light up, and seeing them fall in love with a character I created – there’s no feeling like it,” the author said. 

The Sector readers first became aware of Jesse in 2023, when he shared the first two books of the series, Raymond the Raccoon Misses His Friends and Raymond the Raccoon Calms his Mind. 

Now the loveable raccoon is back, and is on a journey to learn about physical activity through fun new activities which he does with his friends, all the while giving children the message that engaging in physical activity can significantly enhance their health, happiness, and overall wellbeing.

“It’s always difficult to strike a balance between sharing an important message and not being ‘preachy’ to children,” Mr Hewitt said, “but we think it’s a balance we have right in this story. It’s been really well received by the educators who are using it in their services.” 

With the Raymond series being aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework outcomes, and with Mr Hewitt working in early childhood, the books are created in conjunction with Flourish Community Services and anzuk education, the Raymond series also includes a notes section for educators to guide learning conversations. 

“Feedback we’ve received from services has been that as well as helping children, the books are supportive for educators who may be newer to the profession, or those who lack a little confidence when it comes to scaffolding learning opportunities for children. Although it wasn’t our intention to create a book which is engaging for children and is a professional development tool, it’s certainly a pleasant side effect,” Mr Hewitt said. 

To learn more about the Raymond series please visit the dedicated website here.