A deserving and unusual case has been brought to leafSalon’s attention through a book fair I took part in a few weeks ago. Shirley Todd wrote in and said she would send us her book, and since then we’ve come to realise that she is a quite a force to be reckoned with.

Afflicted with ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, she has not only written, illustrated, and self-published a kiwiana kids book, with characters inspired by the her own four children, but also set up her own website (again self-taught) complete with kids’ activities and details of how she managed to achieve her dream after a fair few setbacks. There are also lots of links to self-publishing in NZ should any of you require some helpful shortcuts – for any budding writers who don't know where to start, this is as good a place as any.

Her children’s book Clarry’s Lost Pony Tail went down well with the 7-year-olds at Laingholm Primary. Nadia, Tong-Pheng, Sarah and Brody said this of it:

Clarry the pony went to wash his tail in the stream. He put it out to dry but when he returned it was gone! Will Albert the Magpie and Timothy the Rabbit find Clarry’s tail?

Shirley Todd uses descriptive language to set the scene for the events to come. While this book may be predictable for older readers, it is an exciting read for 5-7 year-olds. This mystery story also includes some humour that slightly older readers may enjoy.

The illustrations are really great, and we enjoyed following the map.

Shirley is working on more stories in this series. You can order the book and forthcoming titles from her website.

Hers is an inspiring story of sheer, bloody-minded perseverance, and it’s just a beginning. You go, girl.