Kathy
So proud of our daughter for writing this book (the first of a series) for her little Princess - Taylor, the light of our lives. A tough journey so bravely navigated by Candice and Jason.
Discover the magical world of Taylor's Tales
Join Taylor the Turtle on a magical journey of friendship and discovery. A heartwarming story that celebrates being uniquely you.
Coming soon
Coming soon
Ships to Ireland (incl. North),
About The Books
Stories of Acceptance & Discovery
Meet Taylor the Turtle
Taylor is a curious and adventurous turtle who loves to explore. She's autistic and sometimes uses her shell to feel safe, but she's learning that it's okay to be different!
Habitats Full of Friends
Join Taylor as she explores enchanting worlds and meets new friends along the way. Each encounter brings a special lesson about friendship, acceptance, and the beauty of diversity
Embracing Differences
Through Taylor's journey, children learn that everyone communicates differently, and that's what makes each of us special and unique.
Tales of Growth
Watch Taylor blossom as she learns to come out of her shell, make friends, and discover the joy of being herself. It's a heartwarming adventure for all!
Taylor's Tales are more than just a stories – they're a celebration of diversity, a guide to understanding, and an adventure that will capture hearts of all ages.
Coming soon
The Complete Collection
Explore All the Magical Adventures of Taylor's Tales
Out of My Shell
Coming soon
Discovering the World
Coming soon
Finding My Feet
Coming soon
A Time for Fun
Coming soon
About The Author
Creating Taylor's World
My name is Candice Samons and I am a proud Mom to Taylor, a 5 year old who inspired this book. When Taylor was diagnosed with autism at 18 months, we began a journey to show others that being different is beautiful. Though non-verbal, Taylor communicates in her own special way and has so much to teach the world.
The books feature characters inspired by the wonderful people in Taylor’s life who provide her with immense support and have learned the books as I did in writing them. Always remember to celebrate your uniqueness and embrace who you are!
Kind Words
What readers are saying
Jason
To mark mom's anniversary, we have some positive news with Candice releasing a website on Taylor's journey through autism. It is absolutely incredible what she has done with the book.
Margot
I feel so proud that you have handled Taylor's diagnosis with grace, and spent so much time learning and helping others. You are an inspiration! I can't wait for the next series of books - I need a signed copy!
Justine
I could not be prouder of my incredible sister-in-law, Candice, and her beautiful new book, “Out of My Shell - Taylor's Tale of Friendship”. This heartfelt story shines a light on the world of autism, showing us all the beauty in our unique differences. Jason and Candice are amazing parents to little Taylor, who has taught our family countless lessons on kindness, patience and understanding. I'm so inspired by you, Cands!
Justine
I finished my last meeting today, and came home to read the books quietly with a glass of wine. Cands - I continue to learn so much with every book; it helps me better understand Taylor and your journey. But above all else, I just think about how mom would have absolutely loved your books. She would have been incredibly proud. I am so immensely in awe of you, and am so proud of you. Taylor is so lucky to have you. I loved reading your books. Tears and all.
Sorcha
Proud of Candice sharing her journey with her beautiful daughter Taylor. Have a listen!
Sorcha
Looks like there will be loads of Taylor the Turtles dressing up for World Book Day. Well done again, Candice!
Orlagh
Omg! You're on the 5th book! That's amazing! Including Conor - omg 🥺 you've just given me happy tears. That is so very sweet 😍. Coincidentally he's pretending to be a caterpillar a lot lately (as well as a snake) and we've nicknamed him a ‘Conorpillar’ 😆
Mathew
Finally got a gap to read this and wow - you are an amazing author, Candz, and it's such an honour to be a part of something this special. Thank you so much 🤗. Did you know, I actually have the exact same guitar as the illustration - it's amazing! ❤️
Sarah
Evelyn and Andrew love the books - we have read them twice now and they are really amazing 🥰. Just showed Evelyn the preview of the new one and she is excited. Thanks for including us all - we feel a little famous now 😊. But seriously, it's an honour to be used as inspiration for some of your characters.
Rebecca
Wow Candice, that is amazing and very inspirational. I might share this with my sister who works as an SNA in an autism unit - she would really love to read this ❤️
Caroline
You are amazing, Candice - multi-talented, so creative and a supermom. Congratulations on your lovely book, I can't wait to read the next ones.
Katie
You are amazing, Candice! It is a wonderful book and I would highly recommend it to help all our little people understand more about autism. You should be so proud of yourself, my dear.
Ruth
Love these stories so much - you are honestly going above and beyond for Taylor. What a cool way to let everyone know how her brain works!
Doria
How brave and incredible to share this story that will help educate and inspire others who are experiencing challenges of their own. We all need to embrace our uniqueness, whatever it may be.
Kate
You need to be so proud of yourself! What an amazing thing to do - both for beautiful Taylor and for others.
Sarah
We got the book and the boys love it! Henry especially likes Henry the hippo. Well done again - a great achievement and a lovely insight into Taylor's world.
Tarryn
Loved the book! Such a beautiful gift to Taylor and great messaging. My kids loved it too - your book is their new favourite and the illustrations are amazing!
Louise
Can I just say how much we're enjoying the book you gave Louis. It is so thoughtfully done - Louis' favourite character is Zara 🦓 and Amy's is Taylor 🐢. We read it all the time! It's a big hit here x
Rebecca
Just finished reading this book to my kids and they really enjoyed it. It's about a little turtle named Taylor who is non-verbal and neurodivergent. I love seeing books that are more diverse and depict our differences in a light that's not negative.
Lorraine
I just wanted to say a huge 'thank you' for the fabulous books you gave us about Taylor the Turtle! What beautiful books you have created, and well done to Taylor for being the inspiration behind these. They have been hugely popular in our waiting area! As a little token of appreciation, I'm popping a little crochet turtle in the post for Taylor. My son Robert makes crochet toys, and I asked him to make one for Taylor - so he looked at the book and designed this especially for her. Once again, thank you to you and Taylor!
Lynsey
Just read your story to my son Bobby, who can sometimes hide behind his shell. Such a fabulous way you have written such powerful words! I really hope Taylor will enjoy reading your book one day 🙏
Lynsey
This is amazing and stunning 👏 well done, Candice. What a lucky girl Taylor is to have you as her mom 🧡
Eimear
I was so thrilled to hear about your book (featured in today's Irish Indo!). I am the very proud foster mother of a perfect 3-year-old autistic boy and can't wait for him and his siblings to read all about Taylor's adventures. Wishing you and Taylor so much happiness.
Claire
I received the book in the post this morning and cannot wait to give it to a friend of mine who has two gorgeous boys who are autistic too. I've already read it and it's such a lovely read - I hope she enjoys reading it over and over to her kids.
Niamh
Like your Taylor, my 4-year-old son Cathal is autistic and non-speaking, and I think he will really love your books. Thanks a million for giving our children a voice and making them feel seen - it's so important, what you're doing. Congratulations on all you've achieved so far and wishing you every success in the future!
Sile
I just received the books I ordered Friday. I am blown away - it's so beautiful. My little girl is also 5 and only now attempting talking; she loves books, so I cannot wait to read it with her this evening. She just started school this year in an autism class, and the school are excellent - I know they will adore the book too. The little kids in the school are so welcoming and accepting of Cleo that I think they will all enjoy it. Thanks so much for writing these, can't wait to collect them all. Taylor must be very proud of her mom.
Nicola
My little girl loves it. Well done you - amazing book. Taylor is so lucky to have you, and vice versa. Our children are our greatest teachers.
Colette
I'm looking forward to reading it to my 5-year-old son over Christmas - if he'll sit still long enough 🤪
Niamh
I'm absolutely thrilled with it. I got it for my friend who has twin boys with autism - I think they will love it.
Deirdre
We've received the new night-time story books 😊. Lovely stories - being very much enjoyed by my 5-year-old boy.
Sandra
Your books are fabulous ❤️
Asta
I work in preschool with many neurodiverse children. I thought your book might help some of them - I also wanted to support you. Wishing you and your precious daughter a lovely holiday season! Good luck with your future story writing.
Aoife
I have put it away for Christmas for my 4-year-old son, who recently got his autism diagnosis. Such a wonderful book and such a lovely thing for you to do for your daughter and the wider community.
Sheila
It is a beautiful book. The little girl receiving it is a beautiful 4-year-old with autism, and her mum is delighted with it.
Fiona
We have received our beautiful books - they are simply fantastic.
Susan
Delighted with it - it's such a lovely story. Excited to give it to my nephew for Christmas; his older brother is autistic and non-verbal, and the story really resonated with me. Congratulations and look forward to reading more of your stories.
Nicola
The books are beautiful and I can't wait to read them to my daughter on Christmas. My daughter Lexie is 6, ASD, non-verbal, ID and epilepsy - so thank you so much for writing books that children with additional needs can relate to. I can't wait for more to come.
Caitlin
I received the book really quickly, and love it. I have gifted it to my auntie, who plans on using it with her children - one of whom (my god-daughter) has autism too. Will check out the full series now.