A mother-of-three hopes to sow the seeds of children's love for nature with her first book.

Jane Rhodes, 50, a part-time youth worker for Redbridge Council, has self-published her illustrated book Margot and the Magical Plant.

She had long hoped to write a book and after she was put on furlough last March and was able to give her idea some serious time and thought.

Ms Rhodes, who lives in Upminster, said: “The idea was floating around in my mind for years. 

"I just never found the time until I realised that lockdown was here for a while." 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Author Jane RhodesAuthor Jane Rhodes

The illustrated book also comes with a pack of tomato seeds.

After planting and nurturing the seeds, readers are encouraged to take a photo of their plant and attach it at the back of the book.

She added: “I hope it will also be a memory book for children, who can look back at it when they’re older and remember growing their own plants.

“Not only is nature so important for mental health generally, but also I’ve noticed how good it is for children with special needs.

Nature is inclusive, it doesn’t alienate or exclude anyone, there is something in nature for everyone.”

To order a copy of Margot and the Magical Plant click here.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Book coverBook cover