Author and young illustrator from near Milton Keynes team up to create children's book after chance meeting in lockdown

The author of Fenton’s Adventures, Hayley E Mason, used her time in the first lockdown in March to produce the book, but she needed someone to do the illustrations.

Megan Smart, from Deanshanger, had abruptly left school in March, in the midst of her A-Levels, and was feeling 'bored, unmotivated and missing friends' in lockdown and drawing was a way of passing time.

After drawing a dog for her neighbour, Megan's family and friends encouraged her to advertise her skills online as a way to make some money, so she did.

The 18-year-old said: "The reaction was overwhelming and I was asked to do many commissions. But most exciting of all, Hayley E Mason, the author of Fenton’s Adventures, spotted my work and asked if I would be interested in illustrating a series of short stories she was writing for young children, about her cockerpoo dog Fenton.

"Over the next few months, Hayley and I worked together ‘virtually’ to complete the first book of the series, which was recently launched on Amazon. It was a really exciting opportunity for me.

"I am really grateful to Hayley, not only for asking me to illustrate for her, but also for giving me a purpose and a focus, during these uncertain months."

Hayley, from Silverstone, praised the 'beauty' of Facebook which allowed the two to become connected.

The 40-year-old said: "During lockdown, I was able to spend some time focusing on bringing the storyboard and characters to life, and with the beauty of Facebook, found a budding young illustrator in a neighbouring village.

"Through the medium of FaceTime we discussed how each step of the book would look and Megan, with the support of her family, began drawing by hand each page of the story. We agreed on simple pencils and paper to give the 'drawn by a child look', to resonate deeper and embed the important safety messages."

Hayley went on to explain the idea behind her book.

She said: "As a long-time lover of dogs and advocate of safety, I blend these passions together in a series of short illustrated story books about my curly cockerpoo Fenton’s Adventures.

"Educating children about the do’s and don’ts on how to stay safe in many different activities while having the best time, Fenton is the lovable character children need to reinforce their well-being during these challenging times."

The experience inspired Megan to apply for a course in Art and Business Practice at Milton Keynes College, which she has recently started. She said she now hopes to pursue a career in art.

To view the book on Amazon, visit https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fentons-Adventures-boat-H-Mason/dp/1838173102