From classroom to bookshelf: Sunderland mum’s debut children’s book is a hit

Katie Why, a former teacher now living in Sunderland, published Bear and Friends To The Rescue – the first in a new series of children’s adventures – just last month.

The book follows a little bear and his friends Deer, Duck and Rabbit as they learn about the power of working together, and is told in a gentle and rhythmic pace.

With more than ten years’ teaching experience in UK and international schools, Katie saw first-hand how books with a strong rhythm can build children’s confidence and make reading easier.

A lifelong lover of poetry and short stories herself, Katie found that writing a children’s book was a natural way to bring her passions together.

She said: “I loved sharing stories as a teacher that had an underlying message for children to discover and enjoy.

“I wanted to create a book that captured the charm and familiarity of traditional children’s stories with timeless characters and a meaningful message at its heart.”

Becoming a mum gave that ambition fresh momentum.

Katie said: “Reading to my own daughter has brought an even greater appreciation for the magic of books.

“Watching her develop her own love of reading has been a real joy and has inspired me to create a story that children and their families can share and enjoy together.”

Katie teamed up with Manchester-based illustrator Andy Rowland who has more than 20 years’ experience creating artwork for children’s books, community arts projects and murals.

Andy said: “It has been a pleasure getting to know Katie.

"I have very much enjoyed sharing ideas and developing illustrations to bring out each character's individual personality in a fun way, to help the story come to life and capture the spirit of friendship and teamwork.

Katie already has big plans for the series.

A colouring book will arrive in the new year followed by French, German and Italian editions of the debut story.

A second Bear and Friends adventure is also planned for next summer.