Newhey woman publishes first children’s book

A Newhey woman has published her first children’s book, inspired by her two-year-old son, Myles.

Delivery driver Natalie Walters, who has a background in graphic design, has written and illustrated Pip and the Pebble People – Lakeside Story, which she hopes to continue into a series.

Pip and the Pebble People is aimed at very young children, and features cute ‘pebble people’ characters. Lakeside Story – set in a place inspired by Watergrove Reservoir – looks at the consequence of littering, and teaches children that their actions have consequences for the environment around them.

Natalie, who studied graphic design to Higher National Diploma level, added: “It also teaches the importance of being helpful, thoughtful and kind in all that you do.”

She said: “This is my first book and, in all honesty, the first creative project I’ve done properly since leaving college about 14 years ago. My inspiration was my little boy, who is nearly 3. I started reading to him from a very young age and he has developed such a love of books.

“His passion and enjoyment, and seeing how much his own creativity and language has developed from reading made me think that maybe a children’s book would be a lovely thing to try and create myself. My husband, Gavin, is my biggest supporter who really encouraged me to have a go at starting the book.

“The idea for the Pebble People came after a few trips to the park, finding lots of lovely, decorated pebbles and thinking, 'maybe I could turn these into characters'.

“So – with my Myles’ approval – I did.

“I always enjoyed art and design at school: unfortunately, life can take you on a different path and I just never continued with it after leaving college. Creating the illustrations has been challenging at times, but I have also absolutely loved doing it. Each time I created a new page I would show my little boy and loved seeing his face light up when he saw the characters.

“I knew which illustrations worked best from seeing his reaction.”

Natalie has also been leaving special ‘Pip pebbles’ in parks and green spaces, including Foxdenton Park, Alexandra Park, Dunwood Park, Jubilee Colliery, Damhouse in Astley, and as far afield as Morecambe Bay.

She said: “I have also started a 'Pipspotting' activity where I leave Pip pebbles in local parks and greenspaces for children to find, encouraging parents and kids to get outdoors and explore, and actually explore what is on their doorstep and the beautiful places Rochdale, Oldham and other areas have to offer.

“I’m going to be leaving some at Milnrow Park, Springfield Park and Hollingworth Lake soon, as well as Watergrove Reservoir, which is the place that inspired the setting for book one.

“I know he has been on his travels and has been spotted at Crompton Moor a couple of times.

“I am soon hoping to do more regular in-person read-throughs for childminders and nurseries and would like to also highlight this as I believe childminders in particular in the Rochdale area are struggling to find groups they can attend.”