Moray vet Catherine Stables realises dream as she has children's book Shona the Vet published
A MORAY vet has fulfilled a long-held ambition after having her first book published.
Catherine Stables, who lives near Keith and works at Seafield Veterinary Group, has long held a secret aim of being a children's writer and illustrator.
With the help of independent publisher Foggie Toddle Books, her dream has come true.
Catherine’s debut title Shona the Vet: A Coast to Coast Adventure is now available to order in bookshops and online.
Shona and her wee dog Jock are Catherine's proud creations – with youngsters sure to love stories of them riding in their big red helicopter.
“I’ve always loved writing, drawing, and telling stories, quite often with a patient’s antics getting in on the act," Catherine said.
"Scotland’s amazing wildlife has long been a passion of mine, too, so I had great fun combining my interests for my Shona the Vet story. It’s so exciting to see it in print.”
In this bright picture book Shona flies in her red helicopter to help animals in distress from a dolphin in Spey Bay to an injured puffin in Portree.
It’s a rhyming story that will appeal to young children and will also help them learn about some of the challenges now facing Scottish wildlife.
Catherine started telling stories for her two sons when they were younger, and the idea of Shona and her adventures developed from these bedtime tales.
She is also a keen basket-maker and bagpipe player and loves to show her sheep at agricultural shows in the region.
Publisher Jayne Baldwin said: “I’m very excited about this wee book. Shona is a lovely engaging character and it’s a great way for children to learn about Scottish wild animals within the context of a fun story.”
The picture book is available to order from bookshops or online for £6.99.
