Alison Heaslewood (pen name Alison H Simpson) will join children from local schools in Wokingham and Sandhurst to present the positive messages that come from her recently published book, Bodhi the Pirate Dog, which is out in October 2021.

The book being shared in schools on World Book Day is inspired by the authors’ Romanian rescue dog.

Bodhi the Pirate Dog is a social-emotional picture book that rhymes and counts.

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The story features a brave pirate dog who travels across the seven seas with his friend Eugene the Frog, comparing himself to others before realizing how wonderfully talented and special he is.

Heaslewood said: “The culture of comparison with others can create low self-esteem and the belief that we are not good enough. The differences are great and we are all different! When we can see our differences as a positive thing, we can love and accept ourselves and others as we are.

Alison has used her own experiences overcoming central sensitization syndrome and fibromyalgia to inspire children in her books

She said: I haven’t had any pain for almost ten years and even incorporated the theme of overcoming adversity into the book because I think it’s so important.

Since the success of the Kickstarter campaign where she raised £5,000 for the publication and distribution of Bodhi the Pirate Dog, she has donated hundreds of copies to local Berkshire charities.

Bracknell’s charity shop, BAS Books has received donations to raise money for Sebastian’s Action Trust.

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Alison has been busy offering free visits to the library, nursery and school and has just embarked on a tour of local schools to spread the message

She added, “I’m so excited to read my book to hundreds of children this World Book Day.”

The author will join Westcott Primary, Wokingham and St Michael’s Primary, Sandhurst on March 3, and Owlsmoor Primary on March 4.