The owner of a Bishopton nursery has written a children's book designed to help tots prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
Rosie Elliot has penned 'Cairellot the Caterpillar,' whose title character meets new friends at nursery and grows into a beautiful butterfly before flying off to school.
The 72-year-old hopes her book provides an inspiring message to tots about the importance of confidence, thoughtfulness, and kindness.
Rosie, who is the co-founder of Cairellot Nursery, in Greenock Road, Bishopton, told The Gazette: "The book came about when I was at home during Covid.
"I wanted to write a story that could be read to children and help make them less anxious about starting nursery.
"The most important part of our nursery's ethos is that the children make lots of friends and the book goes through the process of the Cairellot journey."
The book features illustrations by staff member Lisa McShane, with some of her drawings based on original artwork created by Rosie's son Graeme.
Rosie said: "The pictures are very bright and vibrant, which is good because the children can't read yet but can understand the story from the pictures, which is lovely.
"It's been getting fabulous reactions and we put the Cairellot song in the book so the children can sing along and interact with the person telling the story.
"The main message of the book is that children who come to Cairellot feel happy and included and I hope it will help them settle into the nursery."
Cairellot Nursery has continued to grow from strength to strength since it was founded in 1993, with over 350 children coming through its doors every week.
Rosie added: "We've got an amazing management team and the best staff in the world, and we all work closely together.
"Everything is child-led at Cairellot, which involves the children telling us what interests them and we use this to build out what they are going to learn.
"Our job is to make sure the children are learning about what they are interested in, and we get them to investigate the topics."
A launch event to celebrate the publication of Cairellot the Caterpillar will take place at the nursery on Friday, August 11.
The paperback edition of the book is priced at £7.99 and can be ordered online at amzn.eu/d/7Q8Pk1f.
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