Have You Ever Followed a Scent?
One moment you’re heading somewhere important. The next, you’re chasing the smell of warm cinnamon down a cobblestone street, wondering what you’ll find around the next corner.
That’s the magic of curiosity. It has a way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable adventures. And sometimes, the best stories begin when you stop following the plan and start following your nose.
Meet Lila
Follow Your Nose Around the World with Lila
What if the smell of cinnamon could lead you down a cobblestone street, around a hidden corner, and into an entirely new adventure?
That simple question sparked the idea for Lila’s Nose Knows, a heartwarming children’s picture book inspired by a real travel experience in Budapest, Hungary. What began as an ordinary afternoon exploring a new city turned into an unforgettable discovery, all because a delicious scent drifted through the air and invited curiosity to take the lead.
In Lila’s Nose Knows, a curious young explorer follows her nose on a magical journey around the world. Along the way, familiar scents and unexpected aromas reveal new places, fascinating animals, colourful flowers, and exciting discoveries waiting just beyond the next corner.
More than a story about travel, Lila’s Nose Knows celebrates curiosity, imagination, and the joy of paying attention to the little things that make our world so extraordinary. It encourages young readers to ask questions, explore with confidence, and embrace the adventures that can begin when they follow their own sense of wonder.
Filled with vibrant illustrations and inspired by real-world experiences, Lila’s Nose Knows is a gentle reminder that some of life’s best adventures aren’t planned at all. Sometimes they begin with a single scent, a curious thought, and the courage to see where it leads.
The Story Behind the Story
A Cinnamon-Scented Adventure in Budapest
Every story has a beginning, and the inspiration for Lila’s Nose Knows started thousands of miles from home on a quiet street in Budapest, Hungary.
While exploring the city, I caught the scent of fresh cinnamon drifting through the air. Instead of continuing on my way, curiosity took over. I followed that delicious aroma through winding streets and hidden corners until I discovered a tiny bakery tucked away from the crowds.
It was a simple moment. Just a traveller, a mysterious scent, and an unforgettable pastry.
But years later, that memory sparked an idea.
What if a child could explore the world the same way?
What if every scent was an invitation to discover something new? What if curiosity could guide an adventure from one country to the next?
That question eventually became Lila’s Nose Knows, a story about following wonder wherever it leads.
Watch the short video to see the real-life travel experience that inspired Lila’s journey.
“The best discoveries aren’t always on the itinerary.
Sometimes they’re hiding at the end of a scent trail.”
From Inspiration to Adventure
How a Simple Idea Became Lila's Nose Knows
Some begin as a small moment that refuses to be forgotten.
For years, the memory of that cinnamon-scented afternoon stayed tucked away among countless travel experiences. It wasn’t a famous landmark or a bucket-list destination that lingered in my mind. It was the feeling of discovery that came from following curiosity without knowing where it would lead.
Over time, that memory began to grow into something more. A simple question became a character. A travel story became an adventure. And eventually, a spark of inspiration became Lila’s Nose Knows.
The video below shares the journey behind the book, from the real-life experience that inspired it to the imagination that brought Lila’s world to life. It’s a reminder that stories can come from the most unexpected places, and that sometimes the smallest moments leave the biggest impression.
Watch the video to see how one travel memory transformed into a children’s picture book about curiosity, wonder, and exploration.