A MUM has published her first children’s book after being inspired by her profoundly deaf daughter.

Leah Carroll’s The Monster At The Park has been inspired by her three-year-old, Magi.

Leah, 35, from Flint had been writing stories for Magi as she loves books, but realised it would be a lot more engaging for Magi if the stories had pictures. It was then that she decided she wanted to publish her first children’s book.

Magi wears a cochlear surgical implant but is yet to speak her first words. Instead she uses basic sign language at home and at nursery.

Leah said: “The story is about three best friends. Seven-year-old Isla, Magi’s real life best friend, looks out for her.

“People often stare at Magi because she has a cochlear implant and doesn’t speak.

“We don’t let that get to us anymore, but Isla makes sure they know what it is and always stands up for Magi.”

Outlining the story, Leah said: “They go to the park to play and meet Uma the monster.

“They’re scared at first but soon realise she’s nothing to fear – she’s just a bit different.

“From there they become best friends and the adventures begin.”

|Leah says the aim of the story is to “normalise deafness”.

“Whether a person chooses to use sign language, wear a hearing aid or cochlear implant, they shouldn’t be looked at differently,” she said.

“The general message is always be kind to whoever you meet, even if they appear to be different, and to treat people how you’d like to be treated.’’

And Leah has another 11 stories ready to go to print and she is hopeful they will form a continuous series.

She added: “I started to write stories for Magi as she loves books but stories without pictures for a three-year-old are pretty boring so I looked into turning it into a book.

“I got some feedback from friends and family as it was quite a big investment. The feedback was positive so I went for it.

“I found a great illustrator and love how bright and colourful it is, as does Magi.’’

Leah has already unveiled her new book at Ysgol Pen Coch in Flint, Magi’s school.

Ysgol Pen Coch teacher Sian Edwards aid: “The kids absolutely loved it. Magi brought in the toy version of the monster as well which was brilliant.

“It’s just great to see a children’s book directly related to the condition that one of our pupils manages.’’