AN INDEPENDENT book publisher has helped an Isle of Wight author achieve her dream.

Newport's Shirley Adams ­has achieved her dream of becoming a children’s author and illustrator by publishing two rhyming children’s books, The Hungry Fox and Penny Feathers: A Little Penguin with Big Dreams.

The books are aimed at children aged three to seven.

The former chiropodist has always had a head full of rhymes, and it was her grandchildren who inspired her to first put pen to paper.

"I started writing about ten years ago now," said Shirley.

"My daughter took my grandchild over to France, and I wanted her and my granddaughter to have something to remember me by, so I started writing a story and drew the pictures to go with it."

It was through meeting publisher and author, Philip Bell of Beachy Books, however, which instilled in her a belief that publication was possible.

Beachy Books helped Shirley publish the books under her own imprint ­— MiceElf ­— and the journey to publication has been rewarding.

"I was anxious at first," said Shirley.

"But, once I’d gone through the painful bit of having the confidence to be published, it was easier.

"I couldn’t imagine going out into the world and trying to read it and sell it to people at first.

"But now, after publication, my confidence has grown in both the books and myself."

If you love rhymes and children’s books, you can join Shirley at the Lord Louis Library, Newport, on Saturday from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Shirley will be reading from her books, and a variety of children’s craft activities will be available.