In a world that often feels rushed and loud one Strand resident, along with a rather unexpected co-author, is gently reminding both children and adults of the magic hidden in life’s smallest moments.
Denise Letts, a retired teacher now settled in the Helderberg, recently published her first book, Nice and Smouzie, a warm, imaginative story told through the eyes of her tiny and very expressive co-creator, Skuttle Nut, a mischievous little dwarf hamster.
While Letts humbly refers to herself as the “scribe” she insists the true storyteller is Skuttle Nut himself, a curious, thoughtful little character whose world is filled with gentle adventures and cosy discoveries based on real events, adventures and the kind of “little moments” that often go unnoticed.
Born in Springs, Gauteng, Letts spent 16 years working in education abroad, including countries such as Singapore, Thailand, England and Indonesia. Her work focused on language development, emotional understanding, art therapy and helping children navigate communication and connection, experiences that quietly shaped the heart of this story.
Interestingly, Letts admits she wasn’t always drawn to reading.
“I found reading difficult and uninteresting as a child,” she relates. “That stayed with me, so it became important that this book felt different, something that drew children in through warmth, curiosity and visual storytelling.”
At the heart of Nice and Smouzie is a simple but powerful idea; that meaning doesn’t live in big, dramatic events, but in the soft, everyday moments – a pause, a glance, a shared quiet space.
The inspiration came from her own experiences with her small companion, whose gentle nature and curious personality sparked a deeper reflection on how even the tiniest creatures can carry profound presence and great love.
“Children today are surrounded by constant stimulation, but nature and quiet moments allow them to slow down, imagine and feel safe. That’s where connection really happens.”
This philosophy is beautifully captured in the word “Smouzie”, a playful and heartfelt term created within Skuttle Nut’s imaginative “Momsta language”.
Rather than having a strict definition a “Smouzie” is something you feel: warmth, comfort, kindness and a gentle sense of belonging.
The book even includes a glossary, giving readers a small peek into this whimsical world’s own language.
The journey to publication through Reach Publishers, was one of patience, creativity and discovery. Skuttle Nut, in his own “squeak and spirit”, describes it as a process filled with careful detail, from perfecting every “whisker twitch” in his illustrations to celebrating each milestone along the way.
“I had to collect all of my sunflower seeds to pay for the publishing of my book,” Skuttle Nut jokes. “But it was worth every precious, yummy seed! Now my tiny paws have left big footprints in the world.”
Although rooted in the peaceful surroundings of Strand, Nice and Smouzie has already reached readers far beyond South Africa through platforms such as Takealot and Amazon.
The book is currently available for R470 on Takealot, with signed copies available directly from the author for R450. A companion colouring book is also available for R180, with limited copies currently in stock.
Looking ahead, hopes are to take Skuttle Nut’s story beyond the page. Letts is exploring opportunities to visit schools, coffee shops, churches and local events, where she can share the story in a more personal and interactive way.
. Those interested in book readings, small events or purchasing copies directly are welcome to get in touch via email at deniseletts@hotmail.com.
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