A STOURPORT mother and daughter writing team are celebrating a festive success as their second children's picture book received positive reviews and strong sales.

A full colour picture book aimed at children aged between three and seven, Madge Eekal's Christmas is illustrated by Colleen Cookson, 71, while her daughter, Zoe, 43, wrote the story.

The book was released in September and has already proved to be a big hit with young readers and reviewers alike.

Review website, the Bookbag, described it as a book that "evokes Christmas perfectly" and praised it for its "amusing way of encouraging children to think about what they can do rather than worrying about what they can't".

Colleen said: "We are delighted by the success of our second book. I thought I knew what would appeal to children from my years as a primary school teacher, but the positive response from kids has been phenomenal."

Zoe, who is published under the name Zed Jacey, added: "I have had message from readers as far away as German and the USA.

"I am thrilled and amazed that my stories have travelled so far."

Madge Eekal's Christmas is a fun festive story with an unexpected twist about a witch who can't get her fairy lights to work. Madge decides to find a magical solution but, as her pet dragon reminds her, things always go wrong when Madge uses her magic wand.

Madge Eekal's Christmas is available to buy in book stores, online and at a number of local retailers.