A RICHMOND author and illustrator has released her new children’s book based on a true story of a mischievous dog.

Gill McLean worked as a children’s book designer before turning to illustration work. She is the illustrator of several popular children’s books, including the QED Storytime Blast Off! She said: “It is a picture book called Jack the Runaway Terrier, and is based on the true story of when I was dog-sitting a long time ago.

“There was a good dog and a naughty dog. The naughty dog escaped and went missing, I looked for two days but I had no luck. He finally turned up in Ripon, about 35 miles away from Settle where he lived.

“I took that as a starting point, and the dog in the story goes out on a boat before he wants to come home.

"It is a prodigal dog story where he wants to leave his family to go on an adventure, the soon realises he misses them and wants to come home.

"It took me a few years to get round to writing it."

Ms McLean is a publisher and illustrator, and is part of a literary community in Richmond making picture books.

She has 11 books out at the moment, and also takes her books into schools to deliver workshops.

She added: "I am a patron of reading for Le Cateau Primary School in Catterick Garrison, and have worked with students there on writing and reading."

The book is available from bookshops and online.