Exploring the pages of a story book with your child and reading them a bedtime story is a wonderful way to introduce children to the delights of the written word. Local author Kevin Thomson and illustrator Elin Weresch have recently launched an imaginative, fun story book entitled ‘Willy and Wally’ aimed at young children to enjoy with their parents.
The story focuses on a pair of windscreen wipers ‘Willy and Wally.’ So? I hear you ask yourself. How can something that keeps the rain and snow off a car windscreen possibly be the central characters in a children’s story? You will find as you delve into the story, that ‘Willy and Wally’ are very special windscreen wipers and Kevin’s carefully crafted story brings the central characters to life in a way that will appeal to young children’s imagination.
Kevin tells us more. “This is the first of what I hope will be many more stories featuring these two characters. I wrote the beginnings of Willy and Wally many years ago, but it was only when I became a grandfather for the first time, I was motivated to finish the book. I am sure everybody will enjoy reading this to their small children as much as I enjoyed writing it.”
Originally from just outside Newcastle-on-Tyne, Kevin has lived near Abingdon for the last 30 years. With two children and two grandchildren, his family means a lot to him. Writing his first children’s book has been a natural follow on from his career in marketing and design where he was involved in graphic design and copywriting. When he is not writing, Kevin is involved with the Abingdon Drama Club.
Any good children’s book is brought to life even more with clever illustrations and Elin Weresch has brought the characters to life. With a Diploma in Art and Design from the City of Oxford College, Elin has always been inspired by cartoons and Japanese Anime. “I love character design but normally tend to draw people and cute animals in my illustrations. ‘Willy and Wally’ was an amazing and enjoyable challenge for me. I love experimenting with different art styles but when given the chance to illustrate with a looser, less detailed style and art that is colourful and playful, I am in my element. You will see what I mean when you read ‘Willy and Wally’ with your young child.”
The book is published by Austin Macauley, priced at £9.99. (ISBN Paperback 9781398461796 and ePub-book ISBN 9781398461802) and will be available through all good bookshops and online too.
