A WINCHESTER author has published the second in her series of illustrated children's books. 

Rose Lihou’s latest instalment of her book Tiny Dogs called The Lost School Pet will be officially released on July 4.

The Tiny Dogs series is about “finding your voice and learning to speak up, even if we’re not sure we’re brave enough.”

Rose said: “I would like young readers to come away feeling as though their opinion really counts, and to always look out for tiny dogs!”

Rose was inspired to start the series by her children's experiences and by her garden and other outdoor public spaces like parks and dog walking fields.

Rose LihouRose Lihou (Image: Puffin)

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It gathers a mix of events that can occur in daily life intertwined with charming fictional facts. The book narrates a young girl’s story who attends her first days at school.

It relates the strong friendship she maintains with tiny dogs that can speak and readers follow her and her friends through their quest to find a missing hamster. 

The adventure weaves together the values of teamwork, mutual aid, friendship between animals and humans, and tolerance towards people's diverse mindsets that we encounter in day-to-day life.

Moreover, it allows readers to ponder about pets and illustrates all the incredible things that children can achieve thanks to their motivation.

This book is mainly intended for young children wishing to improve their reading or read an enjoyable book for fun.

It can also be a way for them to share a reading moment with their parents or siblings, to de-stress after a school’s day and acquire new vocabulary.

Rosa said: "I hope that young readers will take the joy and magic of the tiny dogs away with them, and imagine finding tiny dogs of their own.”

The Lost School Pet contains colourful illustrations with soft colours which convey a lot of sensibility and help for a better understanding.

Rose said: "I hope the illustrations feel beautiful and relaxing to look at, as well as tell the story.”

The Lost School Pet costs £7.99 and can be pre-ordered in WHSmith, Waterstones, Foyles, as well as via online shops. 

Rose also hopes to publish The Best Birthday Party, the third book of the series, in February, by Puffin.