A mum-of-two is eagerly awaiting the release of her first book.

'Have you helped someone sparkle today?' is the debut picture book of Stephanie Bradley.

Having worked as a teaching assistant at schools across Macclesfield for 35 years, becoming a children's author was something that almost felt inevitable for Stephanie.

She said: "As I've spent decades reading literally thousands of children's book, deep down, I have always aspired to be a children's author.

"It was the support and encouragement I received from my family and close friends that gave me the desire to press forward with having the book published.

"It is very exciting to finally have a book in print and I'm so pleased to see the final product."

Stephanie has worked as a teaching assistant for 35 years (Credit: Stephanie Bradley)

Stephanie started out as a teaching assistant in 1990 at Whirley Primary School.

She left the role in 2002 when she had her children Joe and Jasmine with her husband, Mark.

She returned to work at St John the Evangelist's where she remained until joining the King's School's earl years setting last year.

It was in 2020 that she began writing picture books and on Monday, March 24, she will see her first one published.

Aimed at children aged three to six, 'Have you helped someone sparkle today?' is designed to promote happiness, positivity, resilience and greater emotional and mental strength from an early age.

"This will assist children to shine bright as they navigate challenges they may encounter in everyday life," Stephanie said.

"The story also promotes diversity and inclusion in the characters, encouraging the reader to respect others, embracing individual differences.

"This allows to children to see we are all unique and we are all amazing!"

The book is released on March 24 (Credit: Stephanie Bradley)

'Have you helped someone sparkle today?' is available to preorder now and Stephanie is looking for retail outlets in Macclesfield to stock the book.

A sneak preview of the book is available on her website, www.stephaniebradleyauthor.com.

You can also subscribe to receive updates about her next book, which is already in the works.