Authors from across North Somerset have published books.

North Somerset Times: Jayne Bale.Jayne Bale. (Image: Jayne Bale.)

Clevedon author Jayne Bale has completed her second children's book for ages three to six.

Both of Jayne's books are available from Amazon - the first is Ladybird Loses Her Spots and the second is Lara's Birthday Party, which are both published under the name Great Aunt Jayne.

North Somerset Times: Jayne Bale's two books are available on Amazon.Jayne Bale's two books are available on Amazon. (Image: Jayne Bale.)

Jayne said: "Both of her book send an important message, my first was the joys of sharing and my second is remember to say thank you.

"I have a third book in the pipeline which will be about saying sorry.

"On sending my first book to Sarah Ferguson for her story time and also a copy to the Duchess of Cambridge, I received a lovely letter from them both."

North Somerset Times: Steve Gunning and Chris Wheeler.Steve Gunning and Chris Wheeler. (Image: Carraway Publishing)

Steve Gunning and Chris Wheeler, from Clevedon, have celebrate the publication of their new children’s picture book, Santa’s Secret Agent, aimed at youngsters aged five to 10.

People can buy the book from Books on the Hill in Clevedon and the authors are also visiting many schools across North Somerset in the run up to Christmas.

According to its publisher Carraway, the 'charming wit, delightful verse and captivating illustrations will be popular with children and parents who are excited to explore the hidden and magical world of Santa Claus and his all-seeing elves'.

The book invites children and grown-ups alike to follow Santa’s highly trained team of elves and discover all of their gadgets and gizmos.


North Somerset Times: Mark Walker.Mark Walker. (Image: Mark Atherton)

Garden designer Mark Walker has swapped his spade for a pen to come up with his second book, Shambolic Tapestry.

Mark, who grew up in Yatton, spent much of his time on Cadbury Hill where there is an Iron Age hill fort. His love for nature influenced his career choice of gardener and Mark went on to design many spaces using natural materials.

Mark wrote Shambolic Tapestry during a tough time in his life and it carried him through. The story is based around a garden Mark manages near his old haunt, Cadbury Hill.

Mark said: “I remember playing there with my good friend Chris Pike when the house was an abandoned cottage. Who would have thought 40 years on I would be working and playing there as an adult?

“The garden allowed me to really think about life in general and the environment around us. If the trees and plants could talk and tell us their struggles, would they be similar to ours?"

Shambolic Tapestry is available online from thegreatbritishbookshop.co and you can find out more about Mark and his work at woodcuttersgarden.com

Book profits will be going to Yatton and Congresbury Wildlife Action Group (YACWAG).

North Somerset Times: Sarajane ArisSarajane Aris (Image: Sarajane Aris)

Sarajane Aris has co-edited Mental Health, Spirituality and Well-being: A Handbook for Health and Social Care Professionals, Service Users and Carer.

Sarajane, who lives in Clevedon, co-edited the handbook along with Dr Hilary Garraway and Dr Hannah Gilbert. It has received glowing endorsements from industry professionals such as Dr Sarah Eagger, from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, James Doty, senior editor of theOxford Handbook of Compassion Science and broadcaster Ruby Wax.

The handbook is available to pre-order on Amazon and will be available to buy from October 29.


Historical expert Douglas Boyd has published his latest book, Plantagenet Princes.

Douglas is a prolific and well-respected history writer, originally from Nailsea. Plantagenet Princes untangles the webs of intrigue woven by the sons of Henry III and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Douglas is well equipped to shine a new light on this era, and the book includes stories about Richard the Lionheart, and John Lackland, the overlooked younger brother who surpassed expectation when we witnessed the signing of the Magna Carta.

The book explores the mutual hatred of the Plantagenet princes and their impact on the crusades is revealed. Its narrative weaves the intricate relationship between the rulers of France and England in the 12th century and questions whether Richard I was England’s best king and John, the worst.