Leah Hobson’s new chapter in animal adventures

Local author, illustrator and lifestyle coach Leah Hobson is set to launch her fourth children’s book, drawing inspiration from a familiar herd of four-legged residents.

Her latest release, The Great Donkey Escape, follows the comical antics of three scruffy donkeys and their rabbit companions, who regularly test the patience of local farmer, Mr Teward.

The idea for the fable struck Leah close to home as she was inspired by the donkeys living in the field opposite Barnard Castle School at the top of the Demesnes not far from Leah’s home.

With a mind crammed full of ideas both old and new, Leah finds the act of writing and drawing restorative.

She said: “I really enjoy creating characters and stories, but as a coach, it’s the message within the fable that is important to me.

“The Great Donkey Escape reminds us that we can make our homes both a comfy sanctuary and a base camp for adventure.”

Leah’s books are accompanied by a map to guide her readers in an exploration of the alleyways, graveyards and fields of Barnard Castle to discover where all the animals in her fables live.

The author will be at the Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market on Saturday, July 4, alongside fellow wordsmiths from the Teesdale Writers group.