Superpowers, rapping, hashtags, mobiles, gaming, selfies, lovable pets and cakes! There’s no doubt that BBC newsreader and TV Presenter Lucy Owen knows what today’s children are into! All of these and more can be found in her new children’s book ‘Flower Girl’.

The story begins with Flora, a woman desperate for a child of her own. Her wish comes true as she is blessed with a girl named Cherry – the Flower Girl, innocent and loving and made from the beautiful pink petals of the cherry blossom tree. Flora’s story was inspired by Lucy’s own successful journey with IVF, which led to her and her husband’s dream of having a child;

“I find that things that have had a deep impact on me, somehow seem to find their way into my writing. Having always wanted children, to suddenly be faced with the prospect of being unable to have them was very hard. Thanks to wonderful medics, we were able to have Gabriel. This book is dedicated to them and to those who are going through a battle to become parents.”

Another important topic covered in the book is Cerebral Palsy, which is also very close to Lucy’s heart;

“I feel so lucky to be involved with a number of charities, including Cerebral Palsy Cymru. One of my favourite characters in the book, Ruth, has a mild form of the condition. At the back of the book there is a list of facts. I was so pleased to be able to include information about Cerebral Palsy to help young readers learn and understand the condition.”

Getting drawn into the wrong friendship groups, trying to please everyone, ignoring the sound advice of our parents, being picked on in school, dealing with tough teachers and not forgetting the role of cute pets like Bud, Cherry’s humorous pet butterfly! Young girls and boys will be able to relate to Cherry’s story. It’s sure to bring back a few memories of childhood for parents too!

As a Mum, Lucy knows that trying to drag our kids away from screens and devices is a constant battle! She was keen to use the book to encourage children to get outdoors and get creative;

“Flower Girl is a celebration of life and the beauty of nature. I really hope it inspires children to have a go at growing something too. They don’t need a garden, it could be a sunflower in a pot or some herbs for cooking. Children love reading about what characters eat and in this book we see Flora making delicious treats from the spring produce in her garden. We’ve included recipes in the back of the book – so that children and parents can have fun making and enjoying the same food as the characters! I love when you can find ways to bring a book to life!”

The book is illustrated by mother of two, Rebecca Harry. Based in Cardiff, Rebecca loved art and drawing from an early age. She has illustrated many popular children’s books in the UK, China, the USA and beyond. She has thoroughly enjoyed working with Lucy and publishers Atebol on this new book;

“It was so lovely collaborating with Lucy and Atebol. Flower Girl is such a magical story, it was a joy bringing the main character, Cherry, to life for this special book.”

Welsh publishers Atebol are delighted to be publishing Flower Girl and excited about sharing it with young readers;

“Flower Girl is a beautiful celebration of friendship and nature. This uplifting and heart-warming story has plenty of sparkle and all the right ingredients for a modern day fairytale. Lucy’s voice fizzes with warmth and humour and she successfully combines poignant and thought-provoking moments with just-the-right-amount-of-magic. Rebecca’s enchanting illustrations are simply wonderful and form the perfect partner. Flower Girl’s easy-to-read narrative, its imaginative power and its ability to evoke a variety of emotions is sure to delight and resonate with young readers. Lucy is one of the most creative and inspirational people I have had the pleasure of publishing and it’s been an absolute joy to work with her.” Rachel Lloyd, Creative Editor & Head of Publishing.

Flower Girl will be released by Atebol on the 18th of May. The book is suitable for readers aged 6 +. Available at your local bookshops, on Amazon and directly from the publishers at www.atebol.com.

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For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact Heulwen Davies on post@llais.cymru/ 07817591930.