A Cwmbran man has written and illustrated his first children’s book to raise awareness of bullying.
Dean Porretta came up with the idea for the book while walking his daughter seven-year-old daughter, Holly, to school. During one of their walks to Coed Eva Community Primary School they chatted about bullying and how it affects children.
The book, called Danny The Dino Goes to the Moon, is about a young dinosaur who is rejected by the dinosaurs in his area. He goes on an adventure to find friends who appreciate him for who he is.
He said: “It feels like a dream. I’ve never written anything before. It took me about a year.” Holly loves dinosaurs so Dean drew one for her and this led to the idea of combining his illustrations with a story about bullying. He wrote and drew the pictures in the evenings after his shifts at Llanwern Steelworks.
He said: “I’ve always loved drawing. Every night I would try and make it a little bit better. If the book helps someone to speak up or makes a difference that’s all that matters. I just want to help them talk and express how they are feeling.
“I would love to make more books. I’ve started making illustrations for the next one on autism and ADHD.”
Buy Danny The Dino Goes to the Moon
Danny The Dino Goes to the Moon is available to buy now. Paperback copies are £6.99 and digital copies are £3.99.
Click here to buy a copy.