A REDDITCH woman is on the crest of a wave as her first children's book is about to be published, writes Helen Clarke.

Janet Ralph, of Winyates East, has written a book for youngsters called The Magical Adventures of Floaty the Boat.

The book, which is partially illustrated, features five adventures of a magic boat which is able to talk its two young owners, Ruby and Jade.

But if it was not for the author's own two grandchildren, the book would never have been created.

Mrs Ralph said: "I used to just make up stories for my two young grandchildren Jade and Ruby.

"One day my son, their dad, asked me if I could write my stories down so that he would be able to read them to the girls when I wasn't there.

"So I wrote them down, simply for my son's and granddaughters' benefit, and this is how the story of Floaty came to be published."

She added: "I have now written a second book but I am going to see how the first one goes before I consider having it published.

"It's very strange, but since having the Floaty book published, my son, who is an electrician, has bought shares in a boatyard."

The publication date for the book is Wednesday, May 2, and Mrs Ralph will be signing copies at WH Smith shortly afterwards.