AUTHOR and traction engine owner Wendy Wakelin has had two children’s storybooks published.
Based on her well known steam engine, Victoria, Empress of India, this is the first timer she has been published.
Called Victoria’s Busy Day and Pop Comes to Sewards’ Yard, the books recount the fun filled adventures of Victoria the Traction Engine and her friends.
The books have large, colour pictures which include at least one small animal in them for children to find while reading.
At the end of each book there is a diagram showing how a steam engine works, with a description to help children understand.
Wendy of Liss said: “We bought our traction engine, Victoria, 14-years-ago which used to work in and around Petersfield over a hundred years ago, when she was owned by my husband’s great, great grandfather, Walter Seward.
“We now take her to shows and events in Petersfield and across Hampshire and Sussex.
“I wrote the stories, Victoria’s Busy Day, and Pop Comes to Sewards’ Yard, for our children shortly after we got Victoria. They loved us reading the stories with them at bedtime.
“They’ve grown up now and the stories had been in a box in the cupboard for a few years.
“Late last year we decided we would get the first two stories published in the hope they would be enjoyed by other children.”
Wendy has been selling the books at steam rallies and from her website www.victoriastortontales.uk throughout the summer.
“Everyone who has bought them said their children love them,” said Wendy.
“It’s wonderful to know the stories are being enjoyed, so much, by others.”
Both books are now available to purchase for £6.99 each at One Tree Books in Lavant Street, Petersfield, and on the website at: www.victoriastortontales.uk