Meet the real Wandering Willow: Brigette Burgman, Author, Photographer, & World Traveler
Meet the Adventurous Spirit Behind "Wandering Willow": Bridging Cultures and Inspiring Kids to Explore
Hello there! I'm Brigette (the real life Willow!) I am a photographer, traveler, and a new aspiring author of the Wandering Willow travel series—a children’s book collection aimed at inspiring young explorers to discover the vibrant cultures, traditions, and wonders that make our world so incredibly diverse. Through my books, I’m combining my love for storytelling, photography, and travel to ignite a sense of curiosity in kids, encouraging them to dream big and get out there to experience all the amazing things this planet has to offer.
The Journey That Led to "Wandering Willow"
As a photographer and naturally curious, adventure-driven person, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to some truly remarkable places—capturing landscapes, people, and moments that tell the story of a world full of rich cultures.
The series follows Willow, a curious and adventurous young girl, as she travels to various countries and learns about the fascinating cultures and customs that make each destination special. The idea behind Wandering Willow is simple but powerful—teach children about the beauty of diversity, while encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and see the world for themselves. After all, adventure is just a plane ride (or even a bus or bike ride) away!
What Makes "Wandering Willow" Unique?
What sets Wandering Willow apart from other children’s travel books is its personal touch. Each story in the series is inspired by my real-life travels—many of which are based on my own experiences around the globe. The destinations Willow visits are not just made-up places—they're real spots I’ve had the privilege of exploring. I’ve had the chance to capture these breathtaking moments through my lens, and now, I get to share them with young readers through animated scenes and rhymes.
A special feature of Wandering Willow is that the illustrations in the books are inspired by my travel photography. Many of the illustrations are based on real photographs I’ve taken while exploring the world. This gives the books a beautiful, authentic feel and offers children a chance to see the world as it truly is—vibrant, diverse, and full of wonder. The illustrations bring each destination to life, adding color and excitement to the stories.
Why "Wandering Willow" Matters
As a global traveler, I’ve learned that there’s so much more to a place than just the landmarks or tourist spots. Every country has its own unique customs, celebrations, and traditions that make it special. Through Willow’s adventures, I aim to introduce children to these elements of world cultures—teaching them that there’s beauty in diversity and strength in understanding each other’s differences.
By reading about Willow’s travels, kids are encouraged to develop a global mindset. They’ll learn about respect for different cultures, the importance of exploration, and the excitement of discovering new places and people. Most importantly, I hope Wandering Willow will inspire the next generation of young explorers to get out there, explore their world, and grow into compassionate global citizens for people and places that are different from how they grew up.
What’s Next for "Wandering Willow"?
The journey for Willow and her readers is just beginning! The first book in the Wandering Willow series is out now, and I’m already working on the next adventures for Willow. The series will continue to grow, with new destinations and exciting cultural explorations based on my travels. I aim to write a book for every country I visit (which is 24 as of now, so I have got a long way to go!)
Whether you’re a parent looking for a fun way to spark your child’s curiosity or a teacher seeking a resource to introduce cultural awareness in the classroom, Wandering Willow is here to help. I believe that the more we understand about the world, the more we can appreciate its beauty and complexity.
So, join Willow on her next adventure. Let’s wander the world, one story at a time.
Thank you for being part of this exciting journey with Wandering Willow! I hope you’ll join Willow as she explores our diverse, colorful world, inspiring kids everywhere to embrace their own sense of adventure.