Preston schoolgirl 'chuffed' after winning chance to feature in local author's new book

A Preston schoolgirl says she is “absolutely chuffed” after winning a competition to feature in a local author's upcoming children's book.

Waafa Hussain was chosen as the winner of the Mrs Brown and Friends Magpie Competition, run by teaching assistant-turned-author Mary Brown ahead of the publication of her second book.

Mary, 54, who has worked at Moor Nook Community Primary School for 17 years, is currently putting the finishing touches to Mrs Brown and Friends: When the Magpies Moved In – the second book in her children's series.

The competition invited children to get creative and design their own magpie, with the winning drawing set to be illustrated and featured in Mary's new book, with the character also being named in the story.

Mum of three and grandma of one Mary said: “I'm passionate about getting children reading and with this being National Reading Year what better way to get children engaged.

“I'm delighted with the response to the Mrs Brown and Friends Magpie Competition. It was wonderful to see so many children getting involved, using their imagination and creativity.

“Inspiring children to enjoy nature, storytelling and reading is at the heart of everything I do, so seeing the entries come in has been incredibly rewarding.”

After receiving a few hundred entries, Mary finally announced the winner at an event hosted at The Next Chapter bookshop on Berry Lane in Longridge.

Waafa was unfortunately not at the event but the Moor Nook teaching assistant was delighted to be able to meet Waafa at last a few days later.

Mary said: “It was smiles all round as I finally got to meet Waafa, the winner of my When the Magpies Moved In competition, and present her with her prize in person.

“Waafa was absolutely chuffed to have been chosen as the winner from a few hundred entries and said she can't wait to see her winning drawing featured in my new children's book, Mrs Brown and Friends: When the Magpies Moved In.

“Meeting Waafa and seeing how excited she is to be part of the book has been one of the highlights of the journey, and I can't wait for everyone to see the finished story.”

As the competition winner, Waafa will also receive a ticket to the book launch, a certificate and a £50 voucher of her choice.

The new book is due to be published and on sale by December 5, with the launch taking place that day at The Harris between 1pm and 1.45pm.

Tickets can be booked via The Harris website.

Mary's first book, Mrs Brown and Friends: The Morning Rush, was inspired by pupils from a Year 2 class she taught at Moor Nook Community Primary School.

The book, which follows the various “garden residents” visiting Mary's garden in Ribbleton, was self-published earlier this year and went on to sell hundreds of copies, with children and families from Preston and further afield getting behind the project.

Now, with the second book on its way, Mary says the excitement among pupils at her school is already building.

“The children at my school, Moor Nook Community Primary School, are so excited for the next book,” she said.

And for Waafa, the excitement is even more personal – as her own creation will soon become part of Mary's story.