North Nottinghamshire children’s author Stephanie Varah has challenged nature-loving school children to a writing competition ahead of the launch of her first book, The Woodsman.

The story, which is on sale from Saturday 23^th November, tells the tale of Amos, Keeper of the Forest for King Charles I, who by some strange alchemy finds himself stranded in the 21^st century.

Amos’ fate depends entirely on a motley band of animal companions who have a simple and unique view of the world. Folklore and legend entwine with the here and now to create a heart-warming tale of magic and adventure as Amos tries to get back to his own time.

Published by JJ Moffs, The Woodsman is heavily influenced by Stephanie’s love of animals, her in-depth knowledge of 17^th century Langhald (now known as Langold) and local folklore. She brings mediaeval Langhald and Letwell to life in this heart-warming, delightful and at times laugh-out-loud story.

Stephanie said: “I can’t quite believe that after all these years I’m finally going to see The Woodsman in print. It’s incredibly exciting.”

The Woodsman is set for general release on Saturday 30^th November, which also happens to be Tree Charter Day, a national movement established to protect trees.

“I think it’s very important to give back to nature what we use,” Stephanie explained, “so I will plant 100 trees, through the Woodland Trust, for each of the first 100 books sold. I like the idea that the trees, like those that feature in the imagery of my story, will be here long into the future.”

The Woodsman, which is suitable for children and adults alike, will be launched at Letwell Village Hall near Worksop on Saturday 23^rd November between 10:30am and 2:30pm and then at Idle Valley Nature Reserve near Retford on Saturday 30^th November from 11am onwards.

To coincide with the launch of the book, Stephanie has challenged local school children to take part in a writing competition, and submissions will be accepted at the two launch events.

To take part in the competition, children are invited to write a short story based in a wood or forest and including at least one character that is an enchanted animal.

Children up to four years old can draw or paint a picture; children five to six years old should aim for 150 words; children seven to eight years old should aim for 300 words and those nine to 11 years old should write up to 400 words.

A winner from each of the age groups will receive a signed certificate of achievement from Stephanie, while one lucky overall winner will receive a signed a first edition of The Woodsman and his or her family will enjoy a year’s membership to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. Full details are available from JJMoffs Independent Book Publisher.

Stephanie will be accepting competition entries at both events and will also be available to chat and to sign her book. The family-friendly events will have plenty of activities to occupy children and adults alike and refreshments and home-made cakes will also be available.

Jane Moffett, of JJ Moffs, said: “The Woodsman is such a special book. It’s a heart-warming tale of how a free-spirited hound, a food-obsessed cat and his bossy, opinionated sister set out to find a window through time and send Amos back 400 years to Langhald, often with hilarious consequences.

“The author has drawn these endearing animals beautifully and their banter is so funny. If you love animals, you will adore The Woodsman.”

To pre-order a copy of The Woodsman or see other titles, visit www.jjmoffs.co.uk/shop