A MOTHER and daughter due from Stourport have teamed up to launch their first children’s book.

Zoe Cookson, aged 41, wrote the story titled ‘Odd Job Frog’, while her 69-year-old mum Colleen illustrated the book.

The story, aimed at three to seven year-olds, is about a frog who wants to visit the exciting sights of London.

The pair came up with the idea over Christmas lunch when they were pulling crackers and their book is now stocked in bookshops across the country, and available on major online book stores, as well as from websites across the world.

Zoe, who worked in local government management, wrote the book whilst studying for an MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University to pursue her dream of writing children’s books - having been inspired by characters that her mother had drawn when she was little.

Retired primary school head teacher Colleen, who has over 20 years teaching experience, originally trained as an artist but didn’t revisit her craft for over 30 years when persuaded to do so by her daughter.

After working in local government management for many years Zoe took the brave decision to pursue her dreams of writing a children’s book.

Zoe said: “I am delighted that after so many years of dreaming we are finally in position to launch our first children’s book – Odd Job Frog.

“It’s been such a pleasure to work with my mum on this story and we are both thrilled to see the first copies appearing on bookshelves, and even in the window display of several independent bookshops in central London.

“It was also exciting to find out the book is available to buy in places as far away as Japan and Australia.

“Entering the competitive world of children’s publishing was a daunting experience but my MA at Bath Spa gave me the confidence I needed to take the leap.”