A mum of two's debut children’s book set in two prominent Norwich locations is in the running for an award just weeks after being published.

Marie Reidie, 41, launched the first book in her Adventures of Ted series - My New Home - on November 19.

The story is set in the Royal Arcade and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (N&N) and follows a teddy left on top of a toy shop shelf that is searching for a better life.

The book, aimed at two to five-year-olds, has swiftly been included in the monthly pick for the Golden Wizard Book Prize to put it on the shortlist for the 2024 award.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Marie Reidie's debut book My New Home features illustrations from Norwich artist Vicky KuhnMarie Reidie's debut book My New Home features illustrations from Norwich artist Vicky Kuhn (Image: Little Mouse Publishing)

It contains illustrations from Norwich-based artist Vicky Kuhn, bringing Marie's life to work, who had always been a keen writer but had not had anything published before.

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Marie said: “My New Year’s resolution was to do something with the story and publish it and I’m glad that I’ve stuck to it.”

Taking inspiration from real-life events, the operations administrator from Wretham, near Thetford, spoke of the meaning behind the tale.

Thetford & Brandon Times: The Royal Arcade in NorwichThe Royal Arcade in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

She continued: “When my daughter Charlotte was born my father bought her a teddy bear which he delivered to the N&N before he passed away.

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“She still carries the teddy everywhere with her, so wanted to write this book for her to keep the memory of ‘Grumps’ alive.”

Thetford & Brandon Times: Marie Reidie, from Wretham, has published her first bookMarie Reidie, from Wretham, has published her first book (Image: Little Mouse Publishing)

Marie’s father passed away in November 2021 but in a bittersweet turn of events he was able to read the book.

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“When I put my daughter to bed I showed it to my dad," Marie added.

“It was before it was published when it was just on the notes on my phone.

“He liked it and thought it would be perfect for my daughter to read.”

A follow-up to My New Home is expected in the spring and will be based in Cromer.