A CHILDREN’S author and judge of a popular CITV competition is heading to Rubery this weekend to launch her new festive book release.

Helen Wendy Cooper will visit Rubery Library on Saturday, December 9, with a Christmas workshop and a special reading of her new book, Rudy the Reindeer.

Helen, who was a judge on CITV’s BAFTA award-winning competition Share a Story, said: “I’m really excited about reading my book Rudy the Reindeer to all the children at Rubery Library.

“So far I’ve had a great response and everyone has said how ‘Christmassy’ they feel after my workshops!”

The book follows the story of Rudy the Reindeer, who lives at Cob House Country Park with his reindeer family.

Along with his best friend Spike the mouse, Rudy gets into trouble and can’t ride Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.

But when Santa and the reindeer go to deliver the presents, a storm causes the sleigh to crash, leaving Rudy as Santa's only hope.

But will he be able to save them and all the presents in time for Christmas?

The reading of Rudy the Reindeer begins at 11am, followed by Helen’s Christmas poem The Kissing Tree and then creative activities, including the making of mistletoe wreaths.

Helen is also holding a week of story time at Cob House Country Park in Worcester from December 16, which includes breakfast with Santa and a chance to meet Rudy the reindeer in person.

Rudy the Reindeer can be purchased for £4.99 from www.helenwendycooper.co.uk.

For ticket to the Cob House event, call 01886 888517 or email sales@cobhouse.org.