A story first written by a ten-year-old boy for his younger sister nearly three decades ago is returning to Warwickshire as an award-nominated children's picture book.

British children's author Jonny Parry, who previously studied and worked in the Midlands and whose sister and family now live in Coventry, will appear at Kenilworth Books on Saturday 6 June for a special reading and signing event celebrating his debut picture book, How the Platypus Became.

Jonny first wrote the original version of the story by hand in 1998 as a gift for his younger sister.

Years later, the story has been reimagined as a professionally illustrated children's picture book "exploring curiosity, friendship and finding your place in the world" through one of nature's most unusual animals, the platypus.

The book was recently named a finalist in the 2025 Wishing Shelf Book Awards.

"I wrote the first version of the story as a child without ever imagining it would one day become a published book," said Jonny.

"Sharing it with families and returning to the Midlands, where so much of my life has unfolded, feels like a full-circle moment."

The event aims to "encourage creativity" and show children how ideas formed early in life can "grow into something lasting".

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Event details:

What: Reading and signing with children's author Jonny Parry

Where: Kenilworth Books, 12 Talisman Square, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1JB

When: Saturday 6 June, 10:30am - 1:30pm

Cost: Free to attend

Books available for purchase and signing.