Amanda Owen, the Yorkshire Shepherdess who found fame through Channel 5’s Our Yorkshire Farm, has revealed a significant career move into children’s publishing.
The 50-year-old farmer and author has secured a deal with Puffin to release seven new books.
The publishing venture marks a departure from her television work and adult non-fiction writing.
Owen’s new titles will span picture books, middle-grade non-fiction and fiction, targeting young readers.
Her debut children’s book, Christmas Tales From The Farm, will launch the partnership this September.
The collection of short stories draws inspiration from life at Ravenseat Farm and is aimed at readers aged eight to 12.
The book features illustrated stories about countryside characters including a runaway reindeer, special chickens and a clever sheepdog.
Real-life farm animals from Ravenseat will appear in the tales, including Chalky the dog and Coco the sheep.
Becca Hall will provide illustrations for the collection, which promises to bring the magic of Yorkshire farm life to young readers.
The hardback edition is scheduled for release on September 11.
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Owen’s literary expansion follows her successful Yorkshire Shepherdess trilogy and her 2021 title Celebrating The Seasons With The Yorkshire Shepherdess.
The mother of nine currently appears in Channel 4’s Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive And Kids.
Owen expressed her delight at the opportunity: “I am absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity to enter the world of children’s books with renowned publishers, Puffin.”
She acknowledged the enduring power of children’s literature: “As a mother myself I know first-hand the joy that books can bring to young readers and how a book can stay with you into adulthood, take you places and open up new worlds.”
The Yorkshire Shepherdess added: “To be taken under the wing of the Puffin family, publishers of some of my childhood favourites, is something that I could never have dreamed of being possible.”
Katie Sinfield, editor at Puffin, said: “It felt only natural to bring Amanda’s remarkable farming experience and wonderful gift for storytelling to young readers.”
She continued: “I can’t wait for families everywhere to meet real-life characters such as Chalky the dog and Coco the sheep, and to experience the magic of Ravenseat Farm through the warmth of Amanda’s bestselling writing and Becca Hall’s beautiful illustrations.”
Sinfield described the book as “an incredible book to kick-start our ambitious publishing partnership, and the perfect, must-have gift for every household to read together this Christmas.”
Owen’s literary agent, Jo Cantello, called the collaboration “a dream come true”.