A children's author - billed as the “next JK Rowling” - is to visit Bristol this weekend to meet fans and sign copies of her new book.
Paula Broderick will be signing copies of The Quest at Waterstones, The Galleries, on Saturday, 13th August, from 11am to 3pm.
Since its release earlier this year, the 155-page paperback has gone on to win the hearts of readers and critics alike.
Though aimed primarily at children aged seven and above, the illustrated novel has become a firm favourite with readers both young and old, many of whom have compared it favourably to JK Rowling's world-famous Harry Potter series.
Paula, from Somerset, decided to write the fantasy adventure in 2008 after rediscovering a short story she had penned for her youngest son some 20 years before.
The mother-of-two spent the next two years crafting the tale of eight-year-old Toby, who goes on a magical adventure to another world when he finds a dragon, Sox, hiding under his bed.
Together they embark on a quest to find Sox's missing mother, encountering unicorns, rainbow mice, a Christmas tree fairy and the last living dodo along the way.
Speaking yesterday, Paula said she was “thrilled” to be visiting Bristol.
She said: “This is my first book signing tour and it's been a wonderful experience meeting boys and girls up and down the country.
“I hope to see lots of children in Bristol this Saturday, as well as their parents. It shouldn't be hard to find me as I'm being accompanied by one of my dragon friends!”
Paula says that as well as the obvious comparisons with Rowling, her writing is inspired by classic children's authors including J.M. Barrie, Hugh Lofting and Narnia creator C.S. Lewis.
And like the works of some of her illustrious predecessors, Paula sees the adventures of Toby and Sox forming a trilogy, with the second novel The Rowan Tree set for a Christmas release.
“I've always written for pleasure but its amazing to think how rapidly my full-time career as an author has taken off. As long as youngsters, mums and dads enjoy reading my stories then I'll keep writing them.”
Among Paula's growing fanbase is Denise Fitzpatrick, creator of seven-time Emmy award-winning children's animated series Jakers!
The writer, whose show airs regularly on BBC Two and Cbeebies, said: “Paula Broderick's book about Toby and Sox is exactly the kind of book I would encourage my children to read.
“The characterisation is exceptional; I would not be surprised to see an animation series based on Toby, Sox and friends being produced in the future. I am really looking forward to the remaining two books in the trilogy.”
The Quest by Paula Broderick, published by Troubador, is out now, priced £7.99. Visit www.tobyandsox.com
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