Milton Keynes author donates book sales cash to her local pre-school

Former teacher Amy Knight, 34, wrote her debut children's book ‘There’s Two Of Us Now’ during lockdown at her Sherington home,

She is donating money from sales of the tale to Sherington Pre-School, based in Church Road.

The mum-of-two teamed up with illustrator Luke Skinner to create the picture book, which is written in rhyme and aims to help children adjust to life with a new sibling.

She says the local countryside inspired the artwork in the story, which focuses on a bike ride between a child and his father during which wind turbines become alien robots and birds become pterodactyls in the imagination of the pre-schooler.

In order for children to connect with the story, the artwork is printed in black and white to allow children to colour in the pictures to make the book unique to them.

Amy said: “Being allowed that one hour of exercise each day during the first lockdown really made me value our time outside. Young children need that freedom. Whatever might be going on at home, or out in the world, exploring outdoors lets them escape into their imagination.

“I was already working on a story about how family dynamics change for a child when a younger sibling comes along, and the bike rides we went on during lockdown gave me the idea for this story."

She added: “My oldest son, who is now five, is a brilliant big brother. This book is a celebration of how he and I bonded in a whole new way when he became an older sibling and when he learned to ride his bike. It’s a game-changer for parents when your ‘Big One’ develops that independence and love of outdoor exercise. He comes out on his bike when I go for a run and that’s quality time for us.

“I hope this book will help other children as they get used to having a sibling around, and that despite the current restrictions hopefully they’ll realise there are adventures just waiting to be had! I know from sharing books with my own children and the young readers I’ve worked with in schools that it is possible for a child to truly escape into a story - and adults too. I know a few grownups who love colouring in as well!"

Amy has supported the committee of volunteers for the Sherington Pre-School charity since 2016.

Emma Rootham from the charity said: “Amy’s book is so beautiful and all the children we’ve read it to have absolutely loved it, especially because of the lovely illustrations.

“When she told us she wanted to give money from the sales to the pre-school we were all delighted and so touched that she thought of us. This has been a tough year for everyone in so many ways, but this gesture just shows that hope and generosity remain in dark times.”

Amy lives in Sherington with her husband Graham. They are the parents of two boys, with the youngest aged two.

You can purchase the book by emailing Sherington Pre-School on [email protected] or via on Facebook here .