HOLMFIRTH WRITER & ILLUSTRATOR COLLABORATE ON CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK
‘Siri Nosbig and the Noisy Campers’ (mother’s name spelled backwards inspires new character)
FREE Storytelling Session – Tuesday 17th February at Holmfirth Library at 10.30am
Holmfirth-based writer, Sally Brown, and well-known local artist and illustrator, Susan Wood, have collaborated on a new children’s picture book aimed at 4-8 year olds.
Siri Nosbig and the Noisy Campers tells the story of a little girl called Siri who lives on a remote island with her Grandma Nettle. When a group of noisy campers land on the island, the birds and the animals come up with a plan to send them packing – with the help of Siri’s secret weapon.
“I’ve had this story in my head since my children were small … and they’re nearly 30 now!” said Sally.
“We used to stay on a small Scottish island and I would make up stories about a character called Siri who used to live there and talk to all the animals.”
The name Siri Nosbig comes from Sally’s mum’s name (Iris Gibson) spelled backwards.
“She gets up to all sorts of adventures but the noisy campers was the first story that I wrote.”
Once the book was written Sally worked with local illustrator Susan Wood to develop the illustrations.
“Susan’s style is perfect for a children’s book,” said Sally. “Her paintings are very quirky with lots of tiny details. They really bring the story and the words to life and I’m delighted with the end result.”
Susan was really pleased to be invited to illustrate Sally’s book: “I thoroughly enjoyed creating the illustrations,” she said.
“Siri and her Grandma are such interesting characters. They really sparked my imagination and their mischievous adventures were really fun to draw.”
Sally will be holding a free storytelling workshop with the help of storyteller Mary Lister at 10.30am on Tuesday 17th February at Holmfirth Library. Everyone is welcome and there will be animal mask-making activities linked to the story.
Siri Nosbig and the Noisy Campers is currently on sale, price £8.99, at Read Bookshop and the Oxfam Bookshop in Holmfirth. Or contact Sally direct on brownsally028@gmail.com
