Musician from Northampton publishes book to represent her children

A musician who grew up in Collingtree has seen her dream become a reality after publishing her first children's book.

In July this year, V V Brown kickstarted her campaign to publish a children’s book that features a dual heritage character.

In less than six months, after setting up a crowdfunder which raised more than £8,000, Lily and the Magic Comb was published and is now sold at major online book stores, including Waterstones.

The book, with illustrations by Kate Hazell, is an adventurous journey of discovery where the main character, Lily, transports herself to anywhere she wants to go within her imagination by using her magical comb given to her by her mother.

The idea was created as the singer turned her attention to children’s writing back in 2016 when she had just given birth to her first child.

The 36-year-old penned a picture book aimed at children up to the age of seven after she discovered it was almost impossible to find a book that represented her daughter’s dual heritage.

After knockbacks from publishers who said they ‘loved the book’, but the main character was ‘too niche’ to publish, Vanessa paused her dream.

However the Black Lives Matter movement that has sparked conversation recently has given Vanessa the confidence to try again.

Being in a dual heritage marriage and having two children with ethnic minority backgrounds, it is really important to Vanessa that her daughters can identify with characters in books.

V V then set up her own publishing company and multicultural hub called the Woke Kidz Group, which intends to publish children's books, and more.

Since the book has hit the shelves, celebrities such as Jessie J, Jamelia Jamil and the Oscar-nominated actress Cynthis Erivo have endorsed it.

The new author, and mum-of-two, is now looking forward to her upcoming book tour in the summer to promote Lily and the Magic Comb.