You are never too old to change careers.

That's the firm belief of 81-year-old Dr Sue Jennings who says: "After 50 years working internationally as an anthropologist and trainer I am launching my new career as a children's author while still reasonably healthy.

"I want to devote my last years to encourage children to read real books rather than screens."

Dr Sue has pioneered innovatory work in dramatherapy and play therapy in the UK, Greece, Romania, India and Malaysia and has taken her work to prisons, psychiatric hospitals and special school.

Dramatherapy is now recognised as a state registered profession in the UK and is recommended as an NHS treatment by the NICE guidelines.

Previously Dr Sue, who has lived in Wells and Glastonbury for more than 20 years, published more than 50 books for teachers, parents and therapists on practical methods for working with anger management, emotional intelligence, resilience and confidence building.

Her first children's book is The Story of Moose and Mouse, which tells how these two unlikely creatures meet and become firm friends.

The second is Moose and Mouse's Great Adventure, which describes how the two friends go on their first expedition. Book three will tell of Moose and Mouse's travels to Mongolia.

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The stories emphasise the importance of friendship, attachment, curiosity and empathy. With the intention to develop these qualities while children are still young. They also encourage live reading especially between parents and children.

"Teachers tell me that cruelty to animals and other children is happening at a younger age through a lack of empathy," said Dr Sue.

"There is still violence against people who are different and storytelling can address these issues without moralising or preaching."

Dr Sue will read extracts from the books and lead a simple workshop of sound, movement, colouring and puppet play for young people at Wells Library tomorrow (Saturday, February 1) from 11.30am-12.30pm.

Entry is free, but children must be accompanied by an adult. There will be signed copies of the books for sale.

Sue is also doing storytelling workshops for schools.