SWEETLANDThe SugCon Chronicles

A world of wonder. A very human story.

When life changes,
the story continues.

Sweetland is an illustrated fantasy series about friendship, uncertainty and finding a way forward—created by Barry Smith, drawing on more than four decades of life with Type 1 diabetes.

Discover Sweetland, meet the characters and begin the adventure.

I’m a ReaderSchools, Healthcare & Trade
Sweetland’s golden paths and flowing Companion Current wind through green countryside towards Carrot Hall, beneath distant mountains.
Harmony Harvest · The world of Sweetland
Illustrated fantasyRooted in lived experienceFriendship, belonging & hope

New to Sweetland?

Sweetland is a fantasy world where the ups, downs and challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes become an adventure children and families can explore.

Start Here
Cover of The Day the Path Shivered by Barry Smith, featuring SugCon and his friends.

Book One • Available now

Sweetland – The SugCon Chronicles
Series One: The Path of Sweetland

The Day the
Path Shivered

An adventure about what happens when the familiar suddenly feels uncertain.

In the living world of Sweetland, SugCon’s journey brings together a company of very different friends. At its heart is a simple belief: support is stronger than isolation.

By Barry Smith · Illustrated Kindle eBook

About the bookView on Amazon UK ↗

The message at the heart of Book One

“Losing the Path does not mean
the journey is over.”

For the adults who help stories find readers

A conversation can
begin with a story.

Discover the thinking behind Sweetland, assess the book for your setting and understand its place as fiction inspired by lived experience.

01 / Education

Schools & libraries

Explore themes of belonging, difference, friendship and asking for support.

Information for educators
02 / Care & family

Healthcare & parents

Understand the personal experience behind the story and the conversations Barry hopes it can open.

The story’s purpose
03 / Publishing

Booksellers & trade

Find the book’s core details, current format and transparent creation history.

Book & trade information

The person behind the world

“I wanted to create
something that helps
people feel less alone.”

Barry Smith · Creator & author

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on Good Friday in 1984. Life since then has included work, independence and representing my country at skater hockey.

I remain actively involved as a coach with Medway Assassins, where I have coached children from around five through their teenage years since 2011. Helping young players build confidence, face setbacks and discover what they can achieve has also helped shape Sweetland.

My nephew Tarran helped inspire Sweetland. I wanted to create a world where being different does not mean being on your own, and where help, friendship and hope have a place in the adventure.

Read my storyHow Sweetland was created