Floga with Flossie is the ninth book to be published by bestselling author and professional storyteller Jude Lennon who set up Little Lamb Tales three years ago. Tony McDonough reports

A fun new book encouraging young children to enjoy exercise is launched in Merseyside this week by former school teacher turned businesswoman Jude Lennon.

Floga with Flossie is the ninth book to be published by bestselling author and professional storyteller Jude and it will be officially launched at independent bookshop Write Blend, South Road, Waterloo, on Wednesday, June 21, to coincide with International Yoga Day.

Special reading

Jude, who set up her storytelling business Little Lamb Tales three years ago, will host a special reading of the story during the event, which starts at 4pm, and will also be signing copies of the book.

The launch of the book coincides with a period where children’s fiction is gaining popularity.

Last year the sale of children’s books helped push total UK book sales to a record £3.5bn, according to the Publishers Association.

Jude will be joined at the event by yoga instructor Marie Cope, who will be demonstrating some yoga moves to children and parents and also Merseyside illustrator Holly Bushnell, who has designed and created the colourful book illustrations.

‘Fun book’

The author taught for 18 years before leaving the profession to set up her own business, said she was delighted with the new book and looking forward to sharing it with children.

She said: “This is a great fun book following the adventures of Flossie the lamb and her friends as they discover a new form of exercise – ‘Floga’.

“It’s about promoting exercise, friendship and teamwork in a fun way to children and I’m really excited to finally be able share the story with youngsters.

“What’s more I’ll be showing and encouraging children to join in with some of Flossie’s ‘Floga’ moves to celebrate International Yoga Day.

“It will certainly be an opportunity for children and parents alike to relax and have a bit of fun.”

Yoga classes

Jude, who has been nominated for two Bizmum Awards – Creative Bizmum of the Year Award and Host of the Year Award –  has teamed up with Liverpool-based Mitchy Titch Yoga instructors and will be delivering storytelling sessions at classes over the next few months.

As well as writing books she  also runs storytelling events and creative writing workshops within schools. She is currently touring schools across Liverpool as part of the Bobby Colleran road safety campaign.