Children "guzzel" down mums' new bath-time fun book

TWO mums have joined forces to capturing the imagination of schoolchildren by writing and illustrating their own book.
Rachel and Lisa with their bookRachel and Lisa with their book
Rachel and Lisa with their book

Rachel Walton (44) and Lisa Nicholson (43) first met when they were attended Maltby Comprehensive — and were back in the classroom together to launch their new book The Guzzel.

The duo visited Maltby Redwood Academy to read extracts of the story and help children create their own tales.

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Illustrator Rachel said: “The book was published over Easter and then we decided to approach schools first of all and try and get feedback from the pupils — and the first batch sold out really quickly.”

Rachel, whose three children attend Redwood, including seven-year-old Alfie (pictured), said The Guzzel was a story for primary school aged children about bath-time, imagining what happens when a character from the ocean appears after you pull the plug.

Inspiration for the story came from marketing executive Lisa’s nine-year-old son Ollie.  

“Lisa first came up with the idea when Ollie was about two-years-old,” said Rachel.

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“Ollie used to be fascinated about what happened every time you pulled the plug out at bath-time and called it the guzzel.

“Lisa has always written poems and short stories for fun and then after writing a series of children’s books she asked me to do the illustrations as I had always loved drawing.”

The pair have now turned their passions into a joint business venture called The Story Express and are working on further stories.

Rachel said: “All my drawings are watercolours and the next book is about half-painted.

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“We also have a number of events coming up, including story readings with all age groups and nurseries.”

The pair will also be at Studio 62 pottery studio in Parkgate on June 10 for the read and paint session.

For more information visit www.thestoryexpress.com or email [email protected].

The Guzzel is currently priced at £5.99.

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