A SIX-YEAR-OLD is aiming to become the next JK Rowling having published her first book.
Schoolgirl Esther Turner is the mind behind The Smelly Adventures of Splat, which tells the tale of a guinea pig and his attempts to become the top animal at Wigfield Farm in Barnsley - even if he has to upset the other animals to get there.
His journey to discover why you should always be kind was chosen as the winner of the farm’s ‘Once Upon a Time at the Farm’ short-story competition this summer.
The future best-seller was presented with a copy of her book on Wednesday at the farm’s Christmas fair in front of her family, friends, teachers and classmates.
Esther, who is already planning a sequel, said: “I was inspired to write The Smelly Adventures of Splat by my visit to Wigfield Farm during the summer holidays.
“I really loved seeing the guinea pigs and the meerkats at the farm and I decided they needed to be the main characters in my book.”
Lead character Splat was brought to life by local illustrator and founder of digital agency Awesome, Dan Rose, who met Esther when she was presented with her book.
He added: “It was a great honour to bring Esther’s wonderful story and imagination to life
“I can’t wait to share this story with my children - we visit the farm regularly, so I just know that they’ll be looking for Splat and company on their next visit.”
A limited number of copies of Esther’s book are available to buy at Wigfield Farm.