A FLINTSHIRE author is celebrating the release of her new children's book with a host of events in her hometown. 

Toni Wolstenholme, from Buckley recently released her debut novel, Bertie and the Breakfast Treat.

After three years in the making, Toni achieved her dreams of becoming an author as her new book was published on July 19. 

To mark the start of her new career, Toni wanted to engage with the local community and host events in Buckley to give back to her home town. 

She has held events at Shaz's Shabby Chic, Wepre Park Cafe and the Berwyn Bookshop so far, with more events at the Tivoli to come in September (12 and 14).

Toni at one of the events in Buckley.Toni at one of the events in Buckley. (Image: UGC)

According to Toni, the book "tells an adventurous tale of 3 unlikely insect friends, who embark on a sticky situation involving a human man and a fly swat".

The story also has a subtle message in terms of skill development for children including friendship, mindfulness, team building and creative problem solving.

Toni said: "I have spent three years in total with writing, working with my illustrator, and also awaiting publishers to complete the book for print and finally on the July 19, my dream of becoming an author came true.

"As a new local author living in Buckley, I wanted to connect with local businesses to encourage collaborations locally and to keep to my roots.

"These include the first of the events hosted at Shaz’s Shabby Chic where there was two sessions and a big hit with the children, an event at Wepre Park Cafe, and The Berwyn Bookshop where I held a storytelling and craft activity on August 24. The children enjoyed the story and meeting Bertie, Boris and Harry."

Toni also wanted to bring the book to life and create characters that children could interact with. 

Barbara from the Knit and Natter group, renowned for their postbox toppers, then stepped up and created a knitted Bertie for the children to enjoy. 

The knitted Bertie, created by Barbara at the Knit and Natter groupThe knitted Bertie, created by Barbara at the Knit and Natter group (Image: UGC)

Toni added: "Following on from the events taking place I wanted to create a character the children could see, hold, explore.

"I always admired the work which the Knit and Natter groups complete for the post box toppers for certain occasions, and decided to get in touch to see if they could support me, and the lovely group that they are agreed to support and help to bring Bertie to life.

"Barbara was a blessing from Knit and Natter and created Bertie so beautifully and made sure all his characteristics were present in life form, and he is a hit with the children.

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"I am extremely grateful for Barbara and the group with all their amazing skills. 

"I believe its important to thank those around you who have supported on a new journey and taken a gamble on me, and as promised it was not disappointing and we have experienced some lovely events so far.

"So a big thank you to Shaz at Shaz’s Shabby Chic, Emma at The Berwyn Bookshop, Marion at Old Hall Café Wepre Park, Kirsty and Rocky at The Tivoli, and of course Barbara and the Knit and Natter group Buckley who have brought Bertie to life in the best way!"