Carol Smillie entertains young readers with Glasgow Southside author’s Nessie story

Nessie’s Selfie, set in Loch Ness, quickly became a hit when it was released at the end of last year and is the first children’s book penned by Glasgow Southside writer Breea Keenan and illustrator David Nichol.

Carol, known for TV hits Wheel of Fortune, Changing Rooms and Strictly Come Dancing, joins a growing number of celebrities reading children’s books to help to entertain kids and grown ups alike during lockdown, including fellow Scottish celebrity Elaine C Smith, Take That star Howard Donald and children’s author and comedian David Walliams.

Carol said: “I thought it would be good fun to get involved in narrating a children’s book to help keep the little ones entertained who are stuck indoors during lockdown.

“Nessie’s Selfie is a lovely tale about friendship and inclusion, featuring a shy school girl who befriends the Loch Ness Monster. The story shows that some things that seem scary at first aren’t so scary after all and it can really help to talk about how we feel, which are great messages to share with kids.”

Nessie’s Selfie became a bestseller with online store Etsy.com within its first week of publication and a dedicated website for the book was launched last week.

There is also on a free Nessie’s Selfie Activity and Colouring Pack now available to download.

Author Breea, originally from Shawlands and now living in Busby, said: “We were over the moon when Carol agreed to read Nessie’s Selfie and she has really brought the story to life for young children.

“We hope readers and listeners enjoy the story and get downloading the free pack too, which has been illustrated using some of David’s brilliant drawings from the book.”

Illustrator David added: “We’d love to see some of the children’s pictures, activity sheets and colourful selfies with Nessie, which we’ll share on social media.

“We are currently working on a second Nessie story and hope to have it ready to publish soon too.”

To see Carol’s reading of Nessie’s Selfie, visit the Facebook page

Download your free Activity and Colouring Pack from Nessie’s Selfie’s website