I live in Scotland with my Husband, little boy, our Cockapoo Archie and our Rabbit Rupert.
As a child I loved books but didn’t always find reading easy, mostly reading out loud as I would often mispronounce words — There is a particular funny story there, something my family still jokes about today!
Then I discovered Jacqueline Wilson books, and would look forward to buying a new one at the airport every time we went on holiday! I began to realise just how special a book could be.
When you find a story you can relate to, or simply love the way an author writes, you can lose yourself in the story. You can become one of the characters, or a little fly on the wall, experiencing every feeling and adventure. Everyone can take something different from a book, and I think that’s what makes reading so magical.
My sister (Lucy) and I share a similar personality in the way we are always full of ideas, and even as adults, we still have our little dream of opening a cosy bookshop where you can sip your coffee buy your flowers, while you people watch out the window. Maybe one day …. 🤣
Working in Early Years, reading children’s books is an important part of my day, and I’ve always had a particular love for stories that rhyme.
Now I have my own little boy, storytime has become even more special. We love reading together, especially at bedtime, and I love hearing him giggle at the funny sounds or my voices!
The park that inspired “The Park at Overton Drive” holds many happy childhood memories for me. I spent time there growing up, and now I get to visit it with my own little boy and make new memories together.
The inspiration for Rupert came from our own rabbit, Rupert, a very cherished important part of our family.
Through Rupert, Jess, Florence and Dave, I wanted to explore the many different feelings and experiences children have and I wanted to do this in a gentle way.
When my little boy became frightened by the thunder recently, this story actually helped him understand those big sounds and feelings. Now, whenever he hears thunder, he runs to the window excitedly and says, “Rumble, bang! …..Oh, the thunder!”
I hope children will see a little of themselves in Rupert, Jess, Florence and Dave, and that families will enjoy sharing their adventures together. As the park is a much-loved place in the Clydebank area, I hope many children will recognise it, visit it with their families, or look back on their own happy memories there.
Most of all, I hope “The Park at Overton Drive” series gives families a chance to share a story, make memories and enjoy a little adventure together.