Alderney mum publishes children's book

Sunday 25 October 2020

A mother in Alderney who wrote a book for her young son during lockdown has had the book published, with the proceeds going to various environmental charities.

Mel Broadhurst-Allen wrote ‘Best Pals’ for 5-year old Sandy to keep up his reading skills during lockdown earlier this year. The book follows the adventures of Carl the Cat and Bell the Bee.

“I originally drew it on an old art pad one night, for him to practice his reading,” she explained. “He loves it!”

After sharing it with her friends, who were also worried about their children’s reading skills, Ms Broadhurst-Allen was dared to get the book published, so she had the book checked by teachers to ensure it was appropriate for young readers and that it helps them to better  understand key words.

“All profits from the book will be shared between the Alderney Wildlife Trust, Channel Islands Pollinator Projects and the Yorkshire Wildlife Foundation,” she said. “My son chose the charities because he was worried about them losing funds from the pandemic.”

‘Best Pals’ is now available on Amazon through the print-on-demand service, whereby copies of the book are printed once a copy has been purchased.

Pictured top: The cover of the book 'Best Pals' by Melanie Broadhurst-Allen.