5 Little Bears

Leanne Murner is a multi-award-winning author, Designer and Entrepreneur based in Newcastle, NSW. Mother to five boys, Leanne's successful and in-demand wooden and educational online toy store is named 5 Little Bears to recognise her boys in her legacy. The co-authored women's business book, 'Back Yourself' (2020), highlighted Leanne's business journey as a purpose-led creative. With a background in photography, Leanne is passionate about the need for children to be educated on Australian flora and fauna to prevent extinction. To achieve this, Leanne created Australian themed and wooden educational toy ranges. She swiftly increased her portfolio to include Australian-themed sensory play, games, puzzles, and more handmade in NSW. Additionally, expanding to offer diverse themes, including transport, space, dinosaurs, understanding emotions, Australiana and Flora and Fauna. Leanne authored a multi-award-winning children's book series, illustrated by Kat Fox. Each book educates kids to identify native flora and fauna, who and what relies on them to survive, their ecosystems and how kids can help them survive extinction. Thrillingly, one of these books, 'Franki and the Banksia', won the Nature category award at the prestigious NYC Big Book Awards 2021. The demand for 5 Little Bears high-quality, eco-friendly and educational products have gained international interest, with stockists in both Canada and the United States in addition to wholesale requests nationally.