North East writer celebrates release of enchanting children's story

Elizabeth Simington, from Whitburn, says she’s delighted with the response to her children’s book, The Magic of Nowhere.

Aimed at six to nine-year-olds, the book invites readers into a fantasy adventure.

Elizabeth said: “It’s a fantasy story about a child’s adventures in a magical forest and how she helps the animals she meets along the way.

“It is a story of fantasy and enchantment, love, courage and determination.”

Prior to her retirement, Elizabeth penned stories as an alternative means of communication with young people through her role as a child protection worker, with Sunderland Social Services.

She added: “Following this I took up the post of child and family therapist at South Tyneside District Hospital where I was able to develop my writing further.

“Since my retirement I have undertaken voluntary work for social services and now work in that capacity at women’s health in South Tyneside.”

Elizabeth’s words have been brought to life by illustrator Jane Hughes. The former illustration and design student at Sunderland University said: “I have always had a love for drawing and art, but I never thought that my hobby would play a really big role in my life, or that I would want to pursue a career in illustration.

“My time at Sunderland University made me realise that I had a passion for creating picture books.

“My work has been exhibited in Seven Stories after winning a competition about illustrating nursery rhymes.

“For my final major project I created a picture book entitled Good Night Mr Brave.

“My journey grew when I met Elizabeth who asked me to illustrate her story.

“I was finally taking that step further into the world of picture books. The unique and fun characters in The Magic of Nowhere were fun to draw, in fact the entire story was inspirational, and it is my first published work.”

The book has been picked up by Sunderland Libraries who will stock the novel.

Elizabeth said: “I’m delighted with Jane’s wonderful illustrations.

“The response so far to the book has been lovely, people have been asking for copies for their children.

“It’s aimed at six to nine-year’s-old, but it’s suitable for brighter, younger children too. How it’s received can often change depending on the reader.”