Halloween can be a scary time for young children but a local mum and Alsager nail technician turned author has published a book to make Halloween less daunting and happier for little ones.

Mum-of-two Diane Thomas, a mobile nail technician and semi-permanent makeup artist based in Talke, has published her third book,

Diane, many of whose customers live in Alsager, makes notes on her phone in between clients or when she's relaxing as ideas for her books.

The 41-year-old came up with the idea of writing books while reading bedtimes stories to her daughter and now the stories have been published on Amazon.

The latest, about Halloween, includes interactive pages to get little ones involved in the story as well as positive words of encouragement for them to take away.

She said: "I wanted to create stories that children would ask for again and again — stories that are fun and full of adventure, but that also leave behind little messages of confidence, kindness and encouragement that might just stick with them."

Suitable for ages three to eight, the Halloween story concentrates on courage and friendship, featuring a reassuring plot tailored for young children and aims to break down any fears about Halloween and ghosts.

It integrates interactive elements and positive reinforcement designed to help children to navigate seasonal changes and make Halloween less spooky.

"Some of my customers have bought the books as well as family and friends," said Diane. "When I write the words seem to come quite freely."

"I'll have another book, my fourth coming for Christmas. That will be four in the series."

Diane's books are all based around the central character, Trifle the dog. The first, ''The Dog Named Trifle' introduced the dog while the second, 'The Dog Named Trifle and Hop' featured Trifle, Hop and Sunny going on an Easter adventure.

Diane's first book was about kindness, emtoions and finding 'where you belong' while the second featured friendship and fun and being brave .

She said previously: "My children and my partner really spurred me on. If they hadn't spurred me on, it would probably still be sat in my phone now."

Want to know more about Alsager?

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Alsager Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Please consider following Alsager Nub News on Facebook or X (Twitter)