Mum has the write stuff as she pens kids’ book

A Hamilton mum has penned and self-published her very own children’s book, which is now available to buy online.

Ann Macleod is a creative and busy mum-of-four who recently completed The Crystal of Creaky Cove: A Journey of Mindfulness and Self-love.

The book is an early-reader novel for youngsters aged around six to ten. And, as the title suggests, it explores mindfulness and self-love through the journey of the main character Skye, a shy little Goldcrest bird that has been abandoned on a tiny Scottish island, far from home.

Ann explained: “Skye’s muddled thoughts are interrupted by the discovery of a mysterious rose quartz crystal.

“Catapulted on a journey of selfdiscovery, the little bird wonders if this magical little crystal can help her find her way home.

“Set around the West Coast of Scotland, it is a charming story which subtly introduces young readers to the concept of becoming aware of our thoughts and feelings and the positive or negative affect this may have on their wellbeing.”

Ann, of Douglas Crescent, also writes a blog – diamondrain.org.uk – on her website which describes ways in which a parent/carer can engage with the young reader whilst reading the book.

The idea is that the story will give an opportunity for adults to talk to the young reader about thoughts, feelings, and emotions

She continued: “My intention is to help young people build self-esteem and resilience at an age before the social media ‘selfie stage’ sets in and starts to erode their sense of worth.

“My book has been proofread by counsellors and teachers alike and approved – one being Christine Emmett, the recentlyretired principal teacher from St Elizabeth’s Primary School in Hamilton, where my children attend, and another by a children’s specialist counsellor and friend Anne Macfarlane.

“It really is worth a read for children and I hope the Lanarkshire community will log on to Amazon, where I have had some very positive reviews, and give it a wee lookover.”

Ann’s book is available to buy now at www.amazon.co.uk.