GREAT Bedwyn mum Tammy Johnston is hoping her new book about Elmo the friendly mouse captures the imagination of youngsters this Christmas.

She has combined her love of illustrating and writing to create Elmo’s Christmas Tail, in between running her own business specialising in personalising children’s furniture, and being a wife to Oggy and mum to Oscar, five, and Barty, two.

The book, available to buy next month, follows the story of Elmo the kind-hearted mouse who is sent away for being different.

Mrs Johnston, of Church Street, said: “This story will allow a child to realise that just because you are different does not mean you are not special. It is a great Christmas time moral that allows scope for discussion between parent and child.

"I was ecstatic when I heard my book was going to be published. I never in a million years believed it would. I nearly spat my coffee out when I got the contract sent through.”

Much of Mrs Johnston’s childhood was spent on a farm in Dorset surrounded by woodland and animals which has been the inspiration behind her book.

There are also plans in the pipeline to turn the book into a small animation. Mrs Johnston has been collaborating with a film producer and music is being made by well-known composer Lorne Balfe, who has composed music for films such as Penguins of Madagascar. Mrs Johnston says she is also in talks with a famous English actor to narrate the story. 

Elmo’s Christmas Tail will be available to buy from Friday, October 9, and can be ordered from Amazon, Olympia Publishers, The White Horse Bookshop in Marlborough and Devizes Books.