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Swindon Wide

Mum writes book about DNA for primary children Ever wondered

The expression ‘in the DNA’ has about writing a
entered everyday language, but book?
a West Swindon mum of two has As a process self-publishing a book
written a book for primary age is now quite easy, but, as always,
children which spells out what DNA the hard part is organising ideas
is about, without using scientific and writing what’s in your head in a
references. way that is interesting to others.
The Dinky Amigos are the creation In 2013 Alison Thompson wrote
of Lisa Mullan and she will officially ‘The Boy from hell,’ her experience
launch it at Swindon Central of bringing up a son with ADHD.
Library on 12 August, 11am. A major publisher picked it up
Lisa, who has a PhD. in and recently produced an updated
Biochemistry, said: “I’ve told the second edition.
story through colourful illustration Now she wants to share her top
and rhyme, where children follow tips on bringing together ideas and
Alina, Gina, Tristan and Crispin, who preparing to publish by offering a
are on a journey to a dance in order free workbook to get you started
to find new friends to rebuild their called ‘Write That Book!’
home. Alison uses the techniques in the
“For young readers it’s an workbook to help her clients plan
adventure story book, but the story Lisa Mullen with her a non-science book for primary children their non-fiction books, and she has
and the pictures are scientifically book for interested parents or older will also be available to buy at a had good feedback from it.
accurate so it can also be used in siblings, which can be expanded reduced price on the day of the She said: “I would love to chat
the GCSE classroom and beyond as upon by teaching professionals. launch when Lisa will be reading with writers about their inspirations
an easy-to-digest approach to the “My idea is to expose young the story. She will be running some and aspirations for writing a book
science of DNA. children to the shapes, maths and science based activities and there – and offer you any advice I can to
“The story mirrors the journey science of DNA in the tradition will also be colouring and face get you started.
taken by our genetic material of ‘learning through play,’ before painting. “We can also discuss how I
during cell division. Hidden formal teaching begins at a later “Come along, listen to the story, might be able to help you focus on
within the design of each page is stage.” enjoy the activities and feel free to actually writing it.”
information on the scientific course Currently the book is available in ask any questions about the book Find out more about becoming a
of events. A brief explanation of Swindon Central library, on Amazon or the science,” said Lisa. writer/publisher at:
this is included at the back of the and in various local bookshops. It www.dinkyamigos.com www.theprooffairy.com

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