Children’s author’s signing session at Waterstone's

Mar 19 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

WOULD-BE author Allyson Marnoch adopted the try, try and try again strategy when her touching tale of a young hedgehog was rebuffed by publishers.

Now, 10 years on from first putting pen to paper, she is celebrating a publication deal for debut children’s book ‘Hoglet the Spineless Hedgehog’, with fine illustrations by close friend Lorraine Ward.

When initial approaches to publishing houses met with rejection slips, Allyson decided to foot the bill for putting the book in print three years ago.

But now she is toasting the launch of a “melt-your heart” tale of the adventures of a small, loveable but bald baby hedgehog published by Edinburgh firm Floris.

And tomorrow, Allyson and Lorraine will be doing a signing session at Waterstone’s in Perth city centre at 11am.

Allyson will talk about hedgehogs under threat, while Lorraine will run a kids’ colouring competition.

“We're both delighted that after 10 years of hard work, Hoglet has at last been given the opportunity of being read by children not just in Scotland, but all over the world,” said Allyson (49), who set-up Hot Cake Publications to get her book in print locally.

Titled ‘H's Second Chance’, it sold out in a matter of months. Now, spotting the potential in the original story, Floris have bought the rights for the endearing little character.

Based on Allyson's personal experiences of rescuing autumn orphan hedgehogs at the family home, the book tracks the trials and tribulations of Hoglet's fight for survival in Tumbly Wood.

“Research has shown that hedgehog numbers are declining rapidly,” warned Allyson. “It's my hope that the book will help to raise awareness of the plight of autumn orphans.

“The hedgehog is one of Britain's best loved mammals and it saddens me that many children in the schools I have visited recently have never seen a live hedgehog.

“Educating children and informing them of different ways to help hedgehogs is an important role in trying to protect the hedgehog's future for generations to come.”

The initial book enjoyed commendations from the SSPCA and Tayside wildlife liaison team and Lorraine and Allyson are currently collaborating on a sequel based around the problems and dangers faced by hedgehogs inhabiting a suburban environment.

“The sequel doesn't have any bald hedgehogs in it,” said Allyson.

“But the main character is a hedgehog and he is joined throughout the story by all sorts of wild animals from moles to frogs and there's even a parrot called ‘Potty' in there somewhere!"

*’Hoglet the Spineless Hedgehog’ published by Floris is available in all major bookstores and on the internet. The story is aimed at the 6-10 year age range. It is priced £5.99.