An author and illustrator is utilising her talents to teach children about the importance of protecting the environment.

As part of her course at Norwich University of the Arts, Emma Bacon was tasked with illustrating her own product and created a children’s book with an environmental theme.

The 21-year-old, from Barsham, created ‘A Different Way Home’ in which a penguin named Oscar finds himself trapped under ice due to the plastic blocking his path. The story follows Oscar as he desperately tries to find his way home, communicating an important message about the threat of plastic pollution to the world’s natural habitats

“Before researching for the book I had a vague idea about the waste that ends up in our ocean, but it wasn’t until I saw images of animals and marine life being affected that it hit home,” said Miss Bacon.

“Using penguins, seals and an octopus - animals children are familiar with - I’m hoping to get children involved by making small changes at home, or at least raise awareness about the dangers of our mindless plastic pollution.”

With the book published last month, Miss Bacon hosted an event at Maisiebrooke Farm Shop in Beccles where she read the story to youngsters, signed copies of the book and led a range of activities.

She is holding a similar event in Loddon later this week, giving her a further taste of what a career as an illustrator and author entails.

“The signing was a great experience and children had really good fun,” added Miss Bacon. “I’d really like to pursue illustration as a career. The problem at this stage is that it’s so difficult to get noticed.

“When it comes to self-publishing anyone can do it, but it’s all about doing whatever you can to get your name out there.”

Despite a lack of previous writing experience, Miss Bacon has been overwhelmed by the response to her debut venture as an author and illustrator.

“Writing is a fairly new thing for me,” she said. “I thought it would be easy but, with it being a children’s book, I found it hard to get everything into a few words.

“The interest has completely exceeded my expectations and I’ve even had an environmental charity based in Cornwall get in touch saying they’d like to order some books for their shop.”

Emma Bacon will host another event from 4.30pm on Friday, June 29, at Spoon Cake in Loddon, where children are invited to take part in a range of activities.