A MUM from Basingstoke has published her own children's book after being inspired by her children on a family day out.

Priya Khan, who lives in Kempshott with her family, said the book is a very special one as it was conceptualised by her own children.

Priya continued: "It is with absolute delight that we share our children’s picture book titled Effel the Entertaining Elephant. The story stems from an idea that my eight-year-old daughter Anaaya has dreamt up and my four-year-old Arshaan had a part to play in too.

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"As the title suggests, this is a light-hearted, engaging and delightful story of Effel, the most entertaining little elephant in town."

The story also covers important morals for children like teamwork, compassion towards friends, and healthy eating, while conveying these in an enjoyable style of writing.

Priya said the idea had developed from a game her family had played on a day out.

She continued: "On our way to a family outing during Anaaya’s summer holidays, Anaaya's dad Asif initiated a conversation with her about alliteration and she came up with the title 'Effel the Entertaining Elephant'. 

"We asked her what Effel would do, and she came up with the most delightful and amusing reply. She said he blows up paddling pools and fills them up with water for the children to play in. She chose an elephant, as it was Arshaan's favourite animal.

Basingstoke Gazette: The book is available on Amazon and here's the link at tinyurl.com/effelbook.

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"For about a month or so, every Tuesday when Anaaya and her little brother were at school, I tried my hand at turning her idea into a story. The rest that followed, turned into a light-hearted, engaging and delightful story of Effel"

Priya added: "It has been a wonderful journey to finish the manuscript, source illustrations and an accomplishment to now see it in the form of a book. As we envision children sitting with their parents at bedtime and enjoying it, it feels like a dream come true. As a local author, we'd absolutely love to share our book with other families."

The book is available on Amazon and can be found at tinyurl.com/effelbook.