A CURIOUS collection of colourful characters will be appearing at Ilkley's Literature Festival Fringe in October .

A Belted Galloway bull, his Beltie bairns, a wood mouse, a sheep, a runaway chilli pepper and a quite big rock (though not the Cow and Calf) all come under the banner of children's book publisher Curly Tale Books.

During the last two years, since the company was formed, the two woman team behind the independent publishing house has forged a reputation for high quality children's books and fun reading and activity appearances. The business was launched with the publication of The Quite Big Rock, the first children's book written by graphic novelist and comic book writer Alan Grant, famous for Judge Dredd and Batman.

Though based in Galloway in the south west of Scotland, writer and editorial director Jayne Baldwin was born in Otley and grew up in Guiseley before the family moved to Ben Rhydding. The former Aireborough Grammar School pupil is now the author of three books for children and two historical non fiction titles. Her business partner Shalla Gray is the author and illustrator of several children's books including Charlotte's Woolly Yarn and The Galloway Chilli.

Jayne said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to be able to bring my books back to the place where I grew up. My parents flat used to have a direct view of the Cow and Calf so it's no wonder I was inspired to write a story featuring a cow and her calves – but real ones not rocks!”

There will be fun and games along with readings and activities at the free event as part of the official fringe for the Ilkley Literature Festival. The event, at All Saints School on Saturday, October 10 at 1.30pm, is suitable for the under ten age group.

* Also appearing at All Saints School on Saturday, October 10 is award-winning author and illustrator Tim Hopgood, who worked as a graphic designer and freelance photographer before turning his hand to children's books.

His latest book suitable for four to six year-olds is Walter's Wonderful Web which features Walter, a very determined spider. The wonderful web inspired craft workshop for young children with Tim Hopgood is in room one at All Saints at 11.45 am and is £5. Adults do not need a ticket,