Cindy Ettienne-Murphy
Author • Educator • Psychologist-in-Training • Neurodiversity Advocate
Hello, I’m Cindy Ettienne-Murphy, an educator, psychology student, and proud dyslexic writer who believes that “different” isn’t less ; it’s powerful. After more than 25 years in education, both in the classroom and as a headteacher, I’ve seen first-hand how many bright, creative children struggle simply because their brains don’t fit the traditional box.
That’s why I began writing dyslexia-friendly children’s books, to help students and families see dyslexia not as a problem, but as a superpower.
My Mission Through my stories, I aim to celebrate neurodiversity and build understanding, empathy, and confidence in young readers. I draw inspiration from real classroom moments, the wobbly handwriting, the brilliant ideas, and the brave little minds who just see the world differently. As a psychology student, I also weave in an understanding of how the mind works; unpacking emotions and behaviours so that children (and adults!) can recognise what’s really going on beneath the surface.
My Books My stories often tackle topics that children and families can relate to:
The Daisy Mae in Dismay series – a gentle, funny, and heartfelt collection about a little girl who worries about everything… until she discovers that most of her fears are just thoughts, not facts. These stories open conversations about childhood anxiety and empathy in a safe, accessible way. Mrs. Scribblethwaite: The Dyslexic Headteacher – a celebration of imagination, learning differences, and the joyful chaos of creative thinking.
Perfect for showing children that mistakes are part of magic. Other stories explore school life, neurodivergence, and emotional resilience, all written with a blend of humour, heart, and honesty. 💬 My Philosophy Every child deserves to see themselves in a story; especially the ones who learn, think, or read a little differently.
My goal is to make books that are:
Dyslexia-friendly – clear fonts, thoughtful layouts, and language that supports readers of all abilities.
Emotionally intelligent – helping children understand themselves and others.
Rooted in real life – inspired by classroom experience, grounded in psychology, and sprinkled with warmth and wit. Because when we embrace neurodiversity, we don’t just change how children learn, we change how they see themselves.
