Meet Kimberley Hanks, the imaginative primary school teacher at St Cuthbert's Junior School in Wells, who has just launched her first book, 'Tales of the Thompson Trio: Lighthouse Cove'.

Hanks has taken her decade of teaching experience and channelled it into a children's book, which she hopes will spark a love of reading and adventure in young minds.

The story plunges readers into the quaint village of Lighthouse Cove, where siblings Jasper, Hollie, Leo, and their loyal dog, Hot, are about to embark on a summer holiday they will never forget.

Driven by curiosity and a sense of duty, the trio and their canine companion delve into the heart of a mystery. With each clue they unearth, they navigate through a web of danger and discovery. The story is a blend of suspense and education, teaching young readers about courage, friendship, and the value of curiosity.

Kimberley's journey from teaching to authoring is nothing short of a fairy tale itself.

"After a decade in the classroom, seeing the spark books ignite in children inspired me to create my own magical world. I wanted to give kids a place to escape to and to help them discover the joy of storytelling," she said.

This teacher-turned-author had a New Year's resolution back in 2019 to write a book—a goal delayed by the whirlwind of early motherhood.

But fast forward to 2024, Kimberley has turned her literary dream into a reality. "I finally ticked off that New Year's promise on 5th May this year, and what a journey it has been!" she said.

"I've always seen the profound impact that stories have on children. They're not just escaping into these worlds; they're learning, growing, and seeing themselves as heroes. That's why I wrote this story—to inspire and ignite imaginations.

"I revealed the book to my students on World Book Day—they were my first critics, and thankfully, they were captivated. Watching their faces light up as I read was all the confirmation I needed that I had made the right choice," Kimberley recalls.

'Tales of the Thompson Trio: Lighthouse Cove' is more than just a book; it's a testament to the magic that happens when a teacher brings her love for stories and education together. Kimberley Hanks is now on a mission to share this magic with as many children as possible, proving that the power of reading truly is a superpower.

You can find the book on Amazon.