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Local author, Ella Richardson, a student at Castle Manor Academy, thrilled children at Happy Faces pre-school group reading from her illustrated story last week.

Ella wrote The Bear And The Bees, illustrated by Lydia Monks, for a competition organised by ITV’s Daybreak in 2012.

The book, now available from online sellers, has a powerful message telling children that it is okay to be different.

Staff and children sat spellbound while Ella read – the event was part of World Book Day on Thursday. Children were dressed as characters from the book and staff had helped make giant posters of the Bear and Bees.

Happy Faces leader Elaine Hatfield said:
“The children develop their social skills through play and sharing stories. Ella is a great example to demonstrate that we are all individuals with our own skills and ideas. Her book highlights her commitment to standing up for diversity.”

Lamp-H committee chair Maureen Byrne said:
“Happy Faces exists to provide quality, affordable pre-school education. We are delighted to celebrate World Book Day with Ella - a remarkable talent from our community.

"Her book provides an early introduction to diversity which can be used to shape young minds against bullying and prejudice.”

Lamp-H committee member Roger André said:
“World Book Day is a great opportunity to remind young people about the magic of story-telling and reading books.

"The earlier we start to encourage our children to read regularly, or to listen to stories, the greater the opportunity to engage them in learning. The Bear And The Bees is a remarkable story with a resonance of tolerance.”