A former Newport 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 in November.
Now, the 36-year-old former Newport Advertiser reporter, is busy attending schools and nurseries in the area to share her passion for storytelling with children.
Lorna, who was inspired to put pen to paper after making a promise to her two imaginative young boys Lucas (5) and Finn (4), said: “The boys have always liked me to make stories up for them and it’s something I really enjoy.
“From a very young age Wendy and the Biscuit Tree was always a particular favourite of theirs and they would ask for it over and over again. “I promised the boys that one day I would make the story into a book so they could read it themselves and look at the pictures of Wendy. “I wanted to keep my promise and I’m delighted that I was able to make it happen.”
Since publishing the book in November Lorna, from Childs Ercall, near Newport, has received lots of requests from schools and nurseries asking her to visit and read the book to children.
She said: “This has been really exciting and hugely rewarding. I think anything that encourages youngsters to read and develop their own imagination is fantastic and, for me, it’s great to think that possibly hundreds of children have now heard the tale of Wendy and the Biscuit Tree.”
Throughout the week beginning February 27th Lorna is set to embark on a mini book reading tour in Shropshire to help celebrate World Book Day.
As well as visiting schools and nurseries, she will also be doing two public readings of her book at the Babybird Cafe in Oswestry on Monday, February 27, at 1pm, and at Lily’s Secret Vintage Tearoom in Gnosall on Thursday, March 2, at 11am.
Lorna, who is now busy penning her second book and also works as a freelance public relations consultant, said: “World Book Day is a huge event celebrated by authors, illustrators and children all over so it’s great to be involved. “I’m really looking forward to sharing my story with Shropshire children and hope they enjoy my visit.”
For anyone interested in purchasing a copy of the book, it is available on Amazon at http://bit.ly/WendyandtheBiscuitTree. Schools and nurseries interested in author readings may contact Lorna by email at lornamccannpr@gmail.com.
