Katy Brown, a deputy head teacher from Whitley Bay, has published her debut children's book Cat School, bringing to life a childhood tale her father used to tell her. The 38-year-old wrote the draft during the COVID-19 lockdown after reminiscing with family about the story of her family cat going to cat school when it left the house.
From lockdown draft to published book
The story follows Katy Claws and her kitten Purrsy Paws, who has no 'cat skills'. After returning from the woods each day, Purrsy comes back with another new skill, making Katy curious and starting a fun adventure. The draft remained on her laptop until the birth of her son in November 2024. Earlier this year, on maternity leave, Brown decided to self-publish, encouraged by the memory of her grandmother, who had always urged her to finish the story.
Illustrations and sales
Brown contacted illustrator Carl Sullivan to bring Katy and Purrsy to life. The final book is available on Amazon and has sold 100 copies so far. Brown said: “It took a lot of willpower, I made myself a deadline to have it published before going back to work but for me I never wrote it to make money.” As a primary school teacher, she included repetitive phrases and rhythmic rhymes to help young children develop language skills.
Reception and future plans
Readers have described the book as 'an absolute delight from start to finish'. Brown, now a deputy head teacher, has had teachers read her story to pupils. She said: “They’re very honest, they will let you know if they don’t like it.” While teaching remains her priority, she hopes to write another book focusing on children's anxiety about going to school, a rise she has noticed since the pandemic. Cat School is available on Amazon.
