Our Yorkshire Farm's Amanda says 'I couldn't dream this' as she changes career
Amanda Owen, the beloved Yorkshire Shepherdess and star of Channel 5's ' Our Yorkshire Farm ', is set to charm young readers as she ventures into children's literature with the announcement of seven upcoming books.
The 50-year-old farmer and author will be branching out into the world of children's publishing with an array of new titles spanning picture books, middle-grade non-fiction, and fiction.
Her inaugural offering, ' Christmas Tales From The Farm', is a compilation of short stories for eight to 12 year olds, drawing inspiration from pastoral life and is slated for release this coming September.
Owen, who split from husband Clive in 2022 after 22 years of marriage, expressed her excitement about the new endeavour: "I am absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity to enter the world of children's books with renowned publishers, Puffin."
She continued, acknowledging the lasting impact of literature: "As a mother myself I know firsthand the joy that books can bring to young readers and how a book can stay with you into adulthood, take you places and open up new worlds."
Reflecting on her partnership with Puffin, she added, "To be taken under the wing of the Puffin family, publishers of some of my childhood favourites, is something that I could never have dreamed of being possible."
The forthcoming book, illustrated by Becca Hall, promises to whisk children away to the countryside with tales of a mischievous reindeer, extraordinary chickens, and an astute sheepdog.
Puffin editor Katie Sinfield shared her enthusiasm: "It felt only natural to bring Amanda's remarkable farming experience and wonderful gift for storytelling to young readers.
"I can't wait for families everywhere to meet real-life characters such as Chalky the dog and Coco the sheep, and to experience the magic of Ravenseat Farm through the warmth of Amanda's bestselling writing and Becca Hall's beautiful illustrations.
"Christmas Tales From The Farm is an incredible book to kick-start our ambitious publishing partnership, and the perfect, must-have gift for every household to read together this Christmas.'".
The mum-of-nine is also celebrated for her Yorkshire Shepherdess trilogy and her 2021 offering, Celebrating The Seasons With The Yorkshire Shepherdess, which includes tales and images from their rural life, along with recipes for each season.
Owen's literary agent, Jo Cantello, expressed: "It's a dream come true to be working with the fantastically talented and supportive Puffin team on Amanda's first children's title, having spent my childhood with my nose buried deep in their books.
"We can't wait to see how Christmas Tales From The Farm is received and to introduce Amanda's incredible gift for storytelling and her characterful farmyard animals to a new audience."
Owen now features in the Channel 4 series Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive And Kids, which documents the family's adventures as they restore a farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales.
Christmas Tales from the Farm is set for release in hardback on September 11.
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