A CHILDREN'S artist has released a new book inspired by her childhood growing up in Notts.
She hopes the book will help inspire children to be more creative.
Cherie Zamazing, who is 30-year-old Cherie Buxton, of Long Eaton, has been working in publishing for five years. She has provided art for 30 books and continues to work locally.
Her newest book, Peter's Pebbles, follows the story of a young boy who turns simple stones into beautiful animals using a magical paintbrush.
Cherie said the idea came from spending long summer days in the back garden of her Sawley home.
She said: "I used to sell painted pebbles at the end of my back garden and raised money for charity.
"I just thought that little kids like painting and thought the story might appeal to children.
"I used to paint pebbles every summer and sell them. It all came from that initial idea."
Cherie has lived only in Long Eaton and despite the successes she has had so far, she has no desire to move her roots.
"I don't think it matters where about in the world, I could write or illustrate anywhere.
"I never really fancied working anywhere else.
"I just like living here. I'm very family-oriented and I get to see them.
"I'm even getting my girlfriend, who's currently in southern California, to come and live with me in Long Eaton!"
For Cherie, a passion for writing has been with her since she could pick up a pencil.
She said: "I've always loved story writing and drawing, ever since I could draw when I was about one.
"It's my dream job and doing it from home just makes it even more perfect."
Her tour for the book, which was released earlier this year, is taking her to Lowdham Book Festival this Saturday. Cherie, as well as reading extracts from Peter's Pebbles, will bring pebbles along for the children to paint on.
It's hard to say where the story will take her, but Cherie said she just hoped it could help strike some artistic sparks.
She said: "I had one book sent to me by a little boy with a message.
"It said that Peter's Pebbles had inspired him to write his own stories.
"It's always nice to hear that you have helped inspire a child."
Cherie will be performing at the children's tent at Lowdham Book Festival on Saturday, June 29, from 11.30pm to 12pm, then again from 2pm to 2.30pm. To find out more about Peter's Pebbles and Cherie Zamazing head to facebook.com/ cheriezamazingillustration
