By Sarah Nicholls

Last updated at 17:32, Tuesday, 11 December 2012

A Great Clifton mum has published a children’s book and is using it to help charity.

Rachel Suddart reads Howard’s Hugs to her daughter Emily

Rachel Suddart, 36, wrote Howard’s Hugs about her three-year-old daughter Emily and her trusty toy dog.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Heart Unit Fund at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.

Aimed at children aged three to five, the book has been illustrated by Rachel’s cousin, graphic artist Joanne Young, and published by Rachel’s own publishing company The Little Potato Press.

The 32-page colour paperback follows Emily and Howard as Howard works out just what it is that he is good at.

Rachel, a former pupil of Keswick School, studied English literature and language at Manchester University. She then went on to write for Lonely Planet Travel Publications in London and did a stint at The Journal, Newcastle. She returned to Cumbria in 2007 to work as a marketing officer for Theatre by the Lake in Keswick.

Rachel now works as a consultant offering PR & marketing services in Cumbria and the north east.

This is her first children’s book but she hopes that Howard’s Hugs will be the first title in a series.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to have a go at writing a children’s book but never had the time or the confidence to carry it through.

“Earlier this year, I made the decision to start up as a freelancer in order to work more flexibly around my family commitments and with the support of my partner I decided to give it my best shot.

“I’ve always loved reading and think there’s nothing better than sharing a story with your child.

“Emily’s dad and I have been reading to her since she was a bump and our house is packed with books.

“It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that I’ve written a story for Emily but also that other people can share it with their children.”

The book is available at www.howardandemily.com and in selected local outlets including Bookends in Keswick and Carlisle.

The charity will receive £1 from every copy sold.

First published at 17:30, Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk