Marjo van den Broek
Hypnotherapist, creative therapist and coach from Middelburg. Originator, artist and writer of the adventures of little owl Pluis.
Marjo van den Broek (1959) has lived in Middelburg for 25 years and works as a hypnotherapist, creative therapist and coach. From the age of twenty-five her eyesight declined sharply within a few years. Today she sees mostly vague shadows of light and dark, with little distinction in colour.
When drawing in her beloved fantasy style was no longer possible, it seemed like the end of the road. Until a creative-therapy course set her the task of writing a short story and she realised she could illustrate it herself too. Using a magnifying reading glass, she has since drawn and written the adventures and doings of her characters. The central figures are the thoughtful little owl Pluis and the enterprising hedgehog Joep. We also meet all kinds of characters such as Frog, Chicken, knight Floris, little dragon Erwin and more.
She prefers to write in rhyme (a love of poetry that predates the books) and draws inspiration from small, funny, seemingly everyday moments, from her own curiosity, her years working at a nursery school, her own imagination and empathy, and the gift of seeing the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary and giving it shape.
Two books from this series have already been published: “Pluis Goes to the Beach” and “Floris Can Do Magic”, with more adventures and stories waiting on the drawing table. Central to her books are: love, friendship, seeking adventure, overcoming fears, humour, tenderness, doing things together, resourcefulness, being there for one another, and helping wherever possible.
“I want to inspire people to keep following their heart. Even when setbacks come and life turns out differently than you wanted or ever imagined.”
Which of the friends is Marjo herself?
“If I look at myself, I'm most like hedgehog Joep. He's just like Pippi Longstocking: he can do anything, and he just does. I do the same, and figure out where it lands.”
The books are primarily intended for children aged 2 to 6, but are certainly suitable, and recommended 😊, for all ages.