INSPIRED by her son a Winchester-born author has been raising awareness of plastic pollution through her new book.

Lauren Davies is on the cusp of releasing her children’s environmental book, Little Turtle Turns the Tide.

The story was brought to life following the enthusiasm of her six-year-old son, Bo Reef, who is passionate about protecting the planet and about spreading this message.

“The book Little Turtle Turns the Tide is a positive call-to-action story to encourage children to work together to make a difference to the planet,” Lauren said.

“The message of the story is an empowering one, that small things (like the baby turtle and the children) can achieve great big things and save the world.”

And last week the screenwriter spoke at Harestock and Stanmore primary schools where she read the book and gave a talk about ocean plastics to inspire the children to become eco heroes.

“The children were so engaged and keen to gain more knowledge about the plastic pollution problem and the ways in which they can make change,” she added.

“One little boy at Stanmore said in response to the story: ‘This book makes me feel adventurous, because this tiny turtle who has just been born changes the world, which means we can too!' This is exactly the message I hoped to give to the children.”

Lauren also read the story to children and young people at Sutton Scotney-based hospice Naomi House & Jacksplace.

“That was a particularly wonderful and moving experience among inspiring people. They made me and the Little Turtle very welcome.”

The book, printed using bio inks and solar power on FSC certified paper, has been illustrated by ocean lover Nico Williams.

It follows of Little Turtle as he discovers the plastic problem, learns more from his new friends the sea animals, a bird and a mermaid, then has a big idea, and goes out into the world to make a difference with the help of his friends and the world’s children.

“We felt there was a real gap in the market for an environmental book like this for young children. They are the scientists, environmentalists and activists of the future, and these sparks can ignite from a very young age,” Lauren said.

“There is also much we can all do to make a difference, no matter how young. Children have a powerful voice and they can educate others. One of the strong messages in the book for children is that they may be small, ‘but small things can do great big things as well!’ It was essential to me

that this story left children feeling empowered, not anxious or sad.”

Along with the book, a musical version is being developed, which Bo recently sang live to Zoe Ball on Radio 2, as well as on Radio 4 and BBC Radio Newcastle.