A Liverpool writer is celebrating after securing a two book deal with publishers Little Tiger.
Natalie Denny, 37 will release her first book in August titled 'Keisha Jones Takes on the World' and will follow the story of a young girl whose Grandad tells her about her Great Aunt Bee, who was a lawyer and an activist and she’s determined to follow in her footsteps.
Natalie 37, the director of Skywriters, an award-winning creative education social enterprise, told the ECHO: "I've been writing since my teens but only focused on my writing in my late twenties. Introducing pint sized activist, Keisha Jones, and her wild and wonderful ways to young readers is a dream come true.
READ MORE: List of schools closed across Merseyside as snow continues to fall
“Keisha is a whirlwind of fun and mischief with a heart of gold, passionate about making the world a better place. I’m so excited working on this fantastic series with Little Tiger and where Keisha’s journey may take us.
“The idea originated with Little Tiger and I developed it with my own activism experience".
Natalie graduated from The Open University in 2013. She is an activist, tutor and freelance EDI consultant for Anthony Walker Foundation. Natalie was represented by Chloe Seager at Madeleine Milburn in obtaining her book deal.
The book is written in the first-person with interactive page design, incorporating letters, emails and texts. A second book will be released in 2024.
In the book, Keisha enlists friends KD and Paisley to help put an end to inequality and take on their first cause. Keisha is incensed her local pet shop sells male rabbits for more than female rabbits thinks its time to stand up for rabbits’ rights.
Natalie added: "Keisha is a great character full of ideas, energy, spirit, has a heart of gold and a passion to fight injustice and make the world a better place. It's important girls have access to characters and stories that inspire and empower them".
Jane Harris, associate publisher at Little Tiger said: “Working with Natalie has been a total joy. Natalie has created a warm, funny character fizzing with personality and brimming with ideas, some of which are wonderfully outlandish.
"Keisha’s indomitable spirit and sense of justice shine through in every scene. Her escapades are sure to delight young readers. Chanté bold and expressive illustrations are a perfect fit and bring Keisha’s world to life brilliantly. We can’t wait to introduce readers to the force of nature that is Keisha Jones".
Illustrator Chante Timothy added: "I'm looking forward to everyone experiencing a whole host of expressive characters, especially Keisha who I think will inspire critical thinking and bring a smile to faces.”
Natalie said: "Be your own number one fan. Consistently develop your skills and believe in yourself. Join or create a supportive community that uplifts you.
“Having the support of The Goddess Projects and organisations such as Writing on the Wall has been vital to my development. "It really does take a village". (to raise a child)
Little Tiger publishes various formats and genres creating a diverse range of books to appeal to every reading taste to help children develop a passion for reading from board books for the very young, picture and chapter books, longer novels and non-fiction.
For more celeb news, videos and pictures follow our designated Facebook page HERE
READ NEXT
Woman 'gave Thomas Cashman new clothes' after Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot
Thomas Cashman said 'I've done Joey' after Olivia shooting, murder trial hears
Eurovision Song Contest tickets being resold for £11,000
Schoolchildren arrested after horrific cat attack video emerges
When and where snow will fall as Met Office issues four day weather warning
