Morpeth mum's new children's book promoting inclusivity

Louise Dodd was inspired by her son Nathaniel to write her first book called Perfectly Paced.

Mrs Dodd's son Nathaniel was diagnosed with Complete Heart Block at her 20-week pregnancy scan.

Nathaniel, born on July 14, 2020, had surgery to fit a pacemaker the day after his birth via a caesarean at 37 weeks.

The uncertainty of the situation caused Mrs Dodd significant distress during her pregnancy, which included continuous monitoring, hospital admissions to try medication, and the challenge of finding a suitable place for delivery on the specific date he needed to be delivered.

Louise was inspired to write her books by son Nathaniel (Image: Louise Dodd)

The pandemic only added to the challenges, with an unexpected transfer to Leeds General Infirmary from Newcastle, and the added stress of isolation when she needed her family most.

Now almost four, Nathaniel is thriving and visits the cardiology department for a check-up every six months.

His mum says her son's resilience inspired her to publish her first children's book, Perfectly Paced.

The book is written in rhyme for 'heart warriors' like Nathaniel, emphasising their magical strength and potential.

Copies are donated to children's heart units in hospitals, offering comfort and inspiration to families in similar situations.

Ensuring children like Nathaniel do not feel different because of their heart conditions, Mrs Dodd also wanted to raise awareness about heart conditions and pacemakers - driving her passion for promoting inclusivity and diversity.

The opportunity to tackle these important issues in a child-friendly way led to her second book, The Owl Who Hooted Happiness, which uses animals to convey its message.

Here, farm animals too shy to overcome their differences learn to embrace them at a party thrown by a wise old owl.

Lucy, the illustrator of the book, and Mrs Dodd chose animals wearing clothes as a central concept and formed a close working relationship.

Lucy Hudson, the book's illustrator (Image: Supplied)

Lucy is the owner and founder of Feet First Arts Academy in Wylam, where the book launch will take place on July 20 at 11.30am.

Mrs Dodd hopes to see many children join them to share the story and will sign copies of the book.

Mrs Dodd, who lives in Morpeth with her husband and two sons, Nathaniel and Elias, collaborated with Newton-based Lucy on this heartwarming book project.

The book 'The Owl Who Hooted Happiness' is also available on Mrs Dodd's website.