Young readers were left giggling, joining in and letting their imaginations run wild as a former Banbury teacher launched her debut children’s book at Lock29.

Former Warriner School teacher Gina Parle, who writes under the name Georgia McKinlay, launched her first children’s book Hamish McAfferty and the Gigantic Cavity on Tuesday October 27.

Former Banbury teacher turns son’s curiosity into debut picture book

Several of Gina’s former pupils attended the event at Lock29, alongside her close friend and the book’s illustrator, Amy Malkin.

Gina Parle and Amy Malkin brought plenty of laughs to Lock29 during the launch of their children’s book.

Gina read extracts from the book in an interactive session before taking part in a lively Q&A and signing copies.

Following the launch, Gina said the book had received an enthusiastic response, with parents reporting that it was quickly becoming a bedtime favourite.

The Banbury author said children had been taking their copies into nursery and school for show-and-tell, while some parents had even spotted their three-year-olds independently ‘reading’ through the pages before school.

Hamish McAfferty and the Gigantic Cavity is available from local retailers, including Waterstones and TG Jones, and online.