A CHILDREN'S author from Whitchurch will focus on the Chernobyl disaster for her latest outing.

Helen Bate, who is also an illustrator living in Whitchurch, has released her latest graphic novel The Lost Child of Chernobyl for children aged between eight and 12.

It has has been published by Otter Barry Books on the 35th anniversary of the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine.

Helen explained the book's plot: "It tells the story of a young child who is lost in the forest on the night of the explosion, and is brought up by wolves until she is taken in by two old ladies.

"It has a positive and reassuring environmental message, something that children need more than ever, in today's world.

"It is available from Bookshrop in Green End, Whitchurch."

This is the third graphic novel Helen has published; the first Peter in Peril was also translated and published in Germany, and in 2018 was named as an Outstanding International Book by the United States Board on Books for Youth.

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Helen was an Architect in Chester before studying for a BA and MA in Illustration at Glyndwr University in Wrexham.

She also founded the Tattenhall social enterprise 'Pictures to Share' which creates beautiful books for people living with dementia.

Helen and her husband Keith have lived in Whitchurch since 2012, and both have strong family connections in the area.

For more about Helen, head to www.helenbatebooks.com