A Sandbach mum and author has visited her childrens' school to show them her first book.

Karen Winward, recently visited Brereton C of E Primary School near Sandbach to share her new picture book with children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.

Mum-of-two Karen is the Patron of Reading for the school, working with teachers to encourage a culture of reading for pleasure among the children.

As well as school visits, Karen supports with book recommendations, competitions and challenges, video blogs and activities which aim to entice children to put down their screens and pick up a book instead.

Sandbach Nub News told here. how Karen used her experiences of going to the zoo with her children and everyday life to write a book.

The result was a colourful tale of multi-coloured Zee Zee the Zebra - inspired by her son Josh (9) and daughter Issy (6) who love to bury their noses in a good book.

A Communications Manager for world-wide engineering firm Jacobs by day, Karen used lockdown as an opportunity to write several children's books.

The theme of her latest school visit was kindness and belonging, illustrated perfectly by her book Zee Zee the Zebra, copies of which she donated to each class.

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In the story, Zee Zee, who has multi-coloured stripes, is left out by her friends because she looks different.

The story highlights how our differences are actually what makes us all special.

Karen said: "With each class, I read the story and then engaged the children in a discussion about what makes us all different and special, and how we can make sure everyone feels included.

"I was really impressed by the children's responses - they talked about how they can help their friends if they are feeling left out, by giving them a hug or ensuring they are included at playtime.

Since her school visit, Karen has also donated copies of Zee Zee the Zebra to Holmes Chapel and Sandbach libraries and will be the guest host at one of their regular story time sessions during February.

Zee Zee the Zebra is priced £5.99 and can be bought on Amazon https://amzn.to/3DRfAou or search for 'Karen Winward', and you can follow her publishing story on social media or via her website