Author Linda Lee visits Riding Mill Outdoor Preschool

Riding Mill Outdoor Preschool enjoyed the visit from Linda Lee, Riding Mill food stylist and debut author, in the final week of term, who read her newly published children’s book Ralph & Sprout.

Ms Lee, a passionate supporter of early years education, said: "I feel that the early years are so important and reading books plays such a big part in a child’s development.

(L) Linda Lee, children's author (Image: Supplied) "Sharing books from birth helps to forge a love of reading and learning.

"It’s so special."

Set in the fictional Oak Mill Woods, Ralph & Sprout is a rhyming tale about kindness and friendship, following woodland animals as they help one another and explore the importance of caring for others.

After the reading, the children coloured in pictures of the main characters (Image: Supplied) Ms Lee, who was previously involved with the preschool through cooking sessions at its former location, said the story was inspired by a tree she spotted during a dog walk.

The reading took place outdoors, with children, parents, and staff gathered under a tree to listen to the story, view original artwork, and learn about the process of writing and illustrating a book.

After the reading, the children coloured in pictures of the main characters.

Ms Lee said: "The children were all completely engrossed in the story of Ralph and Sprout, which is based around walks many of them were familiar with."

She also emphasised the importance of making story time enjoyable for parents as well as children.

Ms Lee was previously involved with the preschool through cooking sessions at its former location (Image: Supplied) Ms Lee said: "It’s also important for parents to enjoy the book too, as favourite books are read over and over, so there are opportunities to have fun with the words whilst adding funny voices for each of the characters."

The book is illustrated by Lorraine Hall, a reception teacher.

Each page features a hidden character for children to find and a picture to colour in.

Ralph & Sprout is available to order from bookshops and online through Amazon.