THE SCRIPT writer of hit TV show Tracy Beaker has set his fourth children’s novel in Newport .

Dan Anthony, 50, originally of Cardiff, is launching his latest children’s book Steve’s Dreams: Steve and the Sabretooth Tiger, this week with an event at Malpas library on June 5.

The father of two previously worked in Newport for more than 20 years and decided to set his latest book in Malpas after being inspired in the city’s Sainsbury’s.

The book published by Welsh children’s publisher Firefly Press, based in Cardiff, is the first book in what hopes to be a four part series.

Following the story of nine-year-old Newport boy Steve, the novel is centred on Steve’s adventures in the city and the world he is equally afraid of and loves.

In his sleep Steve dreams that he is a hero and solves the problems he encounters during the day.

“I think Newport has fantastic talent, and despite its economic challenges, it is rising to the challenge of adapting for the future,” Mr. Anthony said of setting his book in the city under the fictitious name ‘Pendown.’

“The idea came to me while I was running a workshop in Malpas Library and was having a break in Sainsbury’s cafe.

“I saw a family come in with a little boy aged around nine and I thought of a story about a boy of the same age from Newport who seemed to be quite scared of the modern world, but at the same time loved his family and the place he lived.

“Like a little version of Woody Allen.

“The idea behind it is that when he goes to sleep he becomes a hero and solved the problems her encounters during the day.

“I hope this will be the first book in a series of Steve stories, as I have ideas lined up if it proves successful.”

The book is suitable for seven to nine year olds and is backed by the Welsh Assembly and the Welsh Books Council as part of their drive to improve literacy by encouraging children to read for fun.

The author will be launching the book at Malpas Library on June 5 with children from Malpas Primary School expected to attend as part of Mr Anthony’s efforts to engage children in reading.

Mr Anthony will also appear at Waterstones in Newport on June 7 for a book signing.

For details see fireflypress.co.uk/node/51