Snail Village was first written 2016 and launched October 8th 2023.
It is a story about a little girl who concerns herself about the safety of small creatures, how she gets through her upset and finds a way to help them, creating a little happy place in the end.
The idea was from a true story of myself and my daughter Perri, who on the school run, would scour the ground the whole way, looking for snails to save them. She would allow them to slide on her hand and put them safely to one side. This led me to think about how thoughtful she was. I then felt like I wanted to highlight the importance of morals by story, like timing and a few other meanings along the way.
The book launch was a huge success, it was a beautiful sunny day at the lovely Boat House Seafood restaurant-Plymouth and the response was amazing selling over fifty signed copies that day.
I had help from the following people - WTTB printing company, the amazing posters were designed by a Devon based printing company PDS and other prints from ABCprinters, local photographer Darren Bond, local artist Paige Nolan for the clay snails and last but certainly not least the very talented illustrator Lorna Davey also based in Devon.
This is the lovely Ralph and Jaxon with me for my first books to sign. The snails on the grass were created especially for the launch by a local artist. - Photos taken by Darren Bond
These were the first pictures Lorna sent and I loved them from the start. The snail sitting at his chair with his cup and saucer was so cute I decided to use this as the front cover for a sentimental reason too.
I first met Lorna February 2022 we clicked together straight away personally and creatively.
We share likeness for many cartoon characters, comedy and very cute things! I feel privileged to have her in my life and help me to create such fabulous characters for my books from which there are many planned. She is a lovely talented lady I hope to be working with her for years to come.
Join the snails on their next exciting day out - Snail Summer Fayre! Sign up to be among the first to hear about my upcoming stories.