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A Wirral author and a recent university graduate is bringing a new children's book series to life through interactive storytimes and family events across the area.
As reported by Birkenhead News, Alicia Steens, a local author and mum, has launched Benny and the Lost Picnic Basket, the first title in her new Benny & Friends series aimed at young children and families.
The book has already inspired free children's storytime events at the Williamson Art Gallery in Oxton. Children can take part in activities, games, and a picnic basket hunt which relates to the story. The first session has been held and attracted around 14 children and families who participated and received Benny-themed medals. The target audience for the book is aimed at three-to seven-year-olds, but children of different ages are welcome at the events.
Alicia graduated from Liverpool John Moores University over the summer with a Biology degree and worked on developing Benny & Friends and raising her young daughter while studying. She has also organised events, developed characters, and developed the Benny & Friends brand.
"What has really encouraged me is seeing families who were already visiting the gallery stop, take an interest and ask about the book when they realised I was the author behind it. It made me realise there may be a lovely local story here about building something for children and families from the ground up on the Wirral," she said.
Alicia hopes the brand will grow, and is planning to create more characters, books, and host family-focused activities.
She aims to create something children can grow up with, and she wants to create a "wider world" with Benny and his friends.
The author is also scheduled to appear at the Summer by the Sea event in New Brighton on 28 August, where copies of Benny and the Lost Picnic Basket will be available to purchase and have signed by her.
