R Stranger

I grew up in Sydney, but from a young age, I was drawn to the countryside, animals, and the slower rhythm of farm life. That lifelong love eventually shaped the path my life would take, and today I own a small rare-breed pony stud in New South Wales.

My connection with animals began early. My father recognised that I had a natural bond with animals and was happiest whenever I was caring for something furry or feathered. One of my earliest memories is of our beloved black dog, Cindy, who was very much part of the family. Dad always encouraged my love of animals, and his support stayed with me throughout my life.

I’m also a mother of four, and horses have always been at the heart of our family life. Some of my favourite moments have been spent riding through the countryside, exploring nature, and sharing those experiences with my children.

Writing Poppy’s Honeycomb Adventures began as a way to reflect on the fun, chaos, and treasured memories my daughter and I shared with ponies over the years. I wanted to create stories that felt warm, genuine, and relatable for young horse lovers and their families.

To bring these stories to readers, I created Raycroft Reads, my independent self-publishing imprint dedicated to sharing heartfelt children’s stories inspired by animals, family life, and country living. As an independent publisher, I also enjoy exploring new creative tools and technology to help bring stories and illustrations to life.

Through my books, I hope to inspire imagination, kindness, and a love of animals, while creating special reading moments families can enjoy together.