A NEWLY-qualified illustrator has celebrated the release of her first book by returning home to sign copies for young readers.

Sophie Elm, a former pupil at Thirsk School, completed her illustration degree at Edinburgh University a year ago and has since designed the artwork for a new children’s book, The Sea Dancer at St Abb’s. She introduced the book, written by Scottish author Jennifer T. Docherty, to children at a signing event at Thirsk’s White Rose Books.

Miss Elm, 23, was discovered by Ms Docherty at her graduate exhibition and was asked to illustrate the characters for the book.

Miss Elm said: “I love all things British, and I love the seaside with all the bright colours and the old fashioned designs that are used, so I put that into my work.

“In future I’d love to write my own children’s book, but this was a great experience.”

The Sea Dancer at St Abbs tells the story of a little girl called Molly, who is bored and lonely on holiday until she finds a book of magic spells.

The book is suitable for children up to eight years old and is available from Serafina Press.

For more information on Sophie Elm and her work, visit www.jeffjosephinedesigns.co.uk or www.serphinapress.co.uk