An Aberdeenshire nursery nurse has landed an exclusive publishing contract with UK publishing house Pegasus after writing her first book for children.
Rachel May, who is an Early Years Practitioner at Chapelton Nursery, wrote Aunty Planty and the Eco Warriors, an enchanting story which follows the adventures of Aunty Planty, a colourful, modern, nature-loving Aunt to Ariana and her friends, who loves nothing more than planting flowers and looking after the environment.
Worried about climate change, the children want to learn how to look after the planet, so they visit Aunty Planty who takes them on a fast-paced adventure where they encounter incredible creatures. The book is beautifully illustrated by Stonehaven artist Amy J Robertson, who brought the story alive.
Rachel is now set to share her tale with a book reading and signing on Sunday, August 20 at 2pm in The Hut at Chapelton. Open to all, spaces are limited so tickets are available through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reading-of-aunty-planty-and-the-eco-warriors-by-author-rachel-may-tickets-696581222187?aff=oddtdtcreator
Originally from Sussex, Rachel has lived in Aberdeenshire for almost 40 years. A nursery nurse at Lairhillock School for 16 years, she recently started work at Chapelton Nursery, which is based in the new town on the outskirts of Aberdeen.
Rachel May
She said: “I have always loved books and writing and in August 2000, when I became a Mum, I started to create little ditties and poems, mainly to make the children laugh but also for friends, family celebrations and weddings.
“In 2019, after moving into my flat in Chapelton, it occurred to me that I should write a children’s book - nurseries are full of little people who are interested and passionate about the World and I thought there was a story waiting to be told.
“In November 2021, my sister became very ill with meningitis. She was rushed to hospital where she remained for several months but, because of Covid regulations, I couldn’t see her. A colleague suggested I return to writing to give me a goal and something to do for my sister, so I dug out my children’s story. I was inspired to have something to show her when she recovered.
“With a bit of tweaking, I felt it was ready and I submitted the manuscript to a few publishers. After turning down two initial contract offers for various reasons, I became disheartened and decided to self-publish. Amy produced an eBook, and we were ready to go when out of the blue in July, a game changer arrived by way of a traditional publishing contract.”
Rachel has been overwhelmed at the response to Aunty Planty and the Eco Warriors. “I have read the story to the children at the nursery and the response was incredible especially with the pre-schoolers.
“I am delighted to have my first official event at Chapelton – it will be lovely to share Aunty Planty with my local community.”
For more information about Aunty Planty and the Eco Warriors, visit: https://pegasuspublishers.com/books/childrens-fiction/aunty-planty-and-the-eco-warriors