A former television production accountant who decided to become a children’s author has published her first book.
Naomi Burman-Shine, 46, has released Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur, a story for youngsters aged three to seven.
She was inspired by the picture books she used to read to her sons Hadley, nine, and Aaron, seven.
Naomi said: “Obviously I’ve been really involved in teaching the children reading and writing and from an early age I gave them board books and then picture books.
“They really enjoy listening to me reading. I’m a creative person and I decided I would have a go at writing a book myself.”
Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur tells the tale of cave boy Stonely, whose best friend, Fred, has a pet dinosaur which has won prizes for having the loudest “dino roar”.
Stonely decides to get a dinosaur too and embarks on a fun-filled adventure with his father. The plot came about from conversations with Hadley and Aaron.
Naomi, who lives in Buckhurst Hill but resided in Redbridge until 2001, said: “My children wanted to get a pet because we don’t own any. But my husband David’s allergic to cats and dogs.
“At the same time, they were at that age where they were interested in dinosaurs and I thought I would use this for the story.”
The author, who worked for both the BBC and ITV during her time in television, has written two sequels and hopes to continue writing.
“I’m doing it for the love of it,” she said. “It is an amazing feeling to know children are reading my book.”
Naomi signed copies of Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur at The Village Bookshop, in High Road, Woodford Green, yesterday.
The story is published by Rowanvale Books. Visit stonelyspetdinosaurbooks.com
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