St Albans author publishes first children's picture book

Gaby Hayes, who works at Bernard's Heath Infants & Junior School, self-published Zola and the Red Zone, the first in a series of four books, which explores the idea of 'zones of regulation' to help children understand their feelings.

The book tells the story of Zola, an alien who has just arrived on Earth and has trouble fitting in.

Zola and the Red Zone by Gaby Hayes, illustrated by Thalia Ryan (Image: Courtesy of Gaby Hayes)

Zola doesn't understand why some children are being unkind, but meets some friends and grown-ups who help her manage her feelings in a safe and positive way.

The book is illustrated by Gaby's friend Thalia Ryan, and is available from Amazon and will be in Waterstones from August 17.

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Gaby was born in Wheathampstead and attended Sir John Lawes School in Harpenden. As a teaching assistant, Gaby helped with the transition of five and six-year-olds coming back to school post-pandemic, understanding the 'big feelings' they experienced while doing so.

She said: "At five and six years old, most children don’t have the tools to gain control of their emotions yet. But they do love listening to stories. 

"One day, Zola simply popped into my head, fully formed and ready to help me support the children’s growth."