Former Shropshire journalist publishes children's book

A former Shropshire journalist has published her first book after being inspired by her two young boys.

Independent author Lorna McCann officially launched the children’s picture book Wendy and the Biscuit Tree on Saturday (November 26) at the Button & Bear Bookshop in Shrewsbury.

The 36-year-old former reporter said she was inspired to put pen to paper by her two imaginative young boys Lucas (5) and Finn (4).

She said: “The boys have always liked me to make stories up for them but Wendy and the Biscuit Tree has been a particular favourite of theirs.

“They ask for it over and over again and I have to think very hard to make sure I retell it the same way every time.

“I made a promise that one day I would write the story down for them so they could read it themselves and look at the pictures of Wendy.

“I wanted to keep my promise to them and so my journey into self-publishing began.

“It has been really hard work over the last nine months or so pulling everything together but it has certainly been worth it to see the smiles on their faces when I gave them a copy of the book.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by all the support I’ve received and I really hope the story will now be enjoyed by lots of other children across Shropshire and beyond.”

Saturday’s book launch, which took place in the woodland themed storytelling room at Button & Bear, was timed to coincide with the start of National Tree Week - a campaign aimed at celebrating the natural environment.

Lorna, from Childs Ercall, near Newport, added: “It seemed fitting to launch the book to coincide with National Tree Week since it is all about a biscuit tree. I can’t thank book shop owner Louise Chadwick enough for supporting the launch and for letting me use the fabulous woodland themed storytelling room - it was just perfect and everyone had a wonderful time.”

Louise, who opened the children’s bookshop three months ago, hosts a number of events and workshops from the venue.

She said: “Since opening in September, business has really taken off and our workshops and events are proving very popular. We have been delighted to support local author Lorna McCann with the launch of her book and we wish her every success with it.”

Lorna teamed up with children’s illustrator Holly Bushnell, who is based in Formby, Merseyside, to bring her story to life and has been supported by Team Author UK - an alliance established by editor Sue Miller to support independent authors wishing to self publish.

For anyone interested in purchasing a copy of the book, it is available through Amazon at www.amazon.co.uk. Copies are also on sale in Tibberton Village Shop and Lorna will also be doing a special reading of the book at the Alan Ward Charity Christmas Market in Shrewsbury on December 3. For more information contact Lorna at [email protected].