WE’RE HAPPY YOUR HERE is a heartfelt nod to small humans who are ultimately “a perfect mix of science, wisdom and love,” and the adults who help along the way. Inspired by my bestie's surrogacy journey, this book encourages all families to discover what makes their own story unique.

NOW AVAILABLE wherever you purchase your books!

WE’RE HAPPY YOU’RE HERE is published by the most wonderful Orca Books, illustrated by the talented Brady Sato and written by me (Julie Wilkins).

Screenshot 2023-06-08 at 2.26.30 PM.png
Screenshot 2023-06-08 at 2.26.46 PM.png
Screenshot 2023-06-08 at 2.27.02 PM.png

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Thanks to the talented humans at Orca Books for designing this discussion guide!

These questions are also available in the back of the WE’RE HAPPY YOU’RE HERE and are intended to spark conversations about the readers’ own special people.

In a group setting, this guide can be used to help to foster connection and consideration around the many different ways families come together.

author visits

Interested in having me visit your shop, school or neighbourhood (in Spring or Summer 2024) to read WE’RE HAPPY YOU’RE HERE and talk to small humans about what makes each family awesome?

Send me an email and I’ll do my best to make it happen!

other good stuff

Below are some wonderful things that have crossed my desk in (in no particular order).

More via @deskofjulie via Instagram.

Just over 3 months ago we opened the doors to our second @gatherbookshop location at the @districtwinevillage in beautiful Oliver, BC 🤍. Though miles away, with a completely different layout and audience, those who’ve visited both spaces have
Last night I actually had a very good time doing something out of my comfort zone! Thanks for the invite and inspo @ambercowie - I’m lucky to share moments like this with you 🤍 ps great job moderating @ben_greenberg of @howesoundbrewing 🍻 an
Simple illustration turned logo by the talented @seasandtrees for our @gatherbookshop rebrand! Shop online for all your bookish needs at gatherbookshop.com 🤍📖
Lovely graphic via @rainbowreadsstl 🤍
Out of my comfort zone, so no speeches, readings, or jazz hands. Just so very grateful to be around lovely humans, with good reason to celebrate 🤍
Wowza! Things are getting real 🥰 ▪️@gather.bookshop signed preorders will be ready Thursday February 22nd ▪️ I’ll be signing fresh copies (and handing out high fives) at @gather.bookshop Squamish all day on Saturday February 24th More book
It’s officially a book! 🤯 Thankful for all the lovely humans who made this moment possible. Coming soon to a shelf near you!
Every so often someone captures a moment at the shop which exactly depicts how the space makes me feel. @littlebookshopsquamish has some BIG things planned for 2024. Stay tuned! Photo magic via @gabrielalephotography
“Warmth from the storm.” I’ve been lucky enough to be a board member at @womenscentre for the past few years. Today, we celebrated a beautiful new brand chapter for this beloved community organization. I encourage you to learn m
“The colors in the illustrations were lovely and warm, and they matched the tone of the book.” [⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ goodreads review] So grateful illustrator Brady Sato shared their magic to bring the story to life. 🤍 Preorder available via l

Gather Bookshop

Probably my favourite thing from the deskofjulie is Gather Bookshop! We spread literary joy by carefully curating titles that foster self-love and acceptance for humans of all ages. Two locations: Squamish & Oliver BC.

MatthewsWest_GatherBookshop-6.jpg
MatthewsWest_GatherBookshop-73.jpg
IMG_8976.jpeg

In The Press

Sometimes people are inspired to write lovely stories about things from the deskofjulie.

You can read a few below!

Book press

  • Item descriptionREAD ARTICLE

  • READ FULL ARTICLE

  • SEE NEWSLETTER

  • READ MORE

  • FULL ARTICLE

  • READ LIST

  • LEARN MORE

Bookshop press

Human contact

Now accepting all queries and compliments via email.