A local author has published her second children's picture book ahead of World Book Day.

'Jeremy Shrew Breaks the Rules' caps a busy year for Laura Kate, expanding her 'The Homes on Hawthorn Street' collection which includes characters from flamingos to weasels.

Ms Kate said: "I just missed the date with the first book last year.

She published her debut book, 'Henrietta Hedgehog's Bog', in April 2023.

She added: "So I'm really pleased that 'Jeremy Shrew Breaks the Rules' is now published and ready to go."

The series follows the residents of Hawthorn Street as they unite with the through friendship and teamwork.

Ms Kate is also a farmer's wife, a mother, and maintains a part-time role as a communications officer.

She said: "Writing the stories has turned out to be the easy bit.

"Approving all of the book layouts and illustrations for the print and ebook versions, creating web, video and promotional content and everything else needed for a launch has been a real stretch this year.

"Thank goodness for mobile phones as I have literally done everything on mine, from actually writing my books while the kids were babies, through to managing the website, booking events and managing sales; usually while making dinner."

Ms Kate added: "Two more are written, but family life is the priority at the moment so hopefully there'll be time later this year to start working on producing book number three."

Copies are available for purchase at Amazon and Waterstones online or from Laura Kate via  via info@laurakatebooks.co.uk.