Takeley speech therapist Marissa Webb to launch debut read-aloud children’s book at Stortford’s Terrace Park Café and Kitchen on Saturday September 27

A specialist children’s speech therapist from Takeley says she has finally written the books “I wish had existed” to support language development.

Marissa Webb, who runs the Orchard Practice, has just published the first in her series of read-aloud ‘WH’ children’s titles – each designed to focus on a different WH questions – Who, What, Where, When and Why as well as How?

She will be officially launching Who? Hide and Seek at the Terrace Park Café and Kitchen in Castle Park on Saturday (Sept 27), 2pm to 4pm.

Visitors can enjoy a live reading of the book and refreshments while Marissa will also be available for book signings.

The first-time author, who specialises in early years and in particular autism and early language development, said her experiences had inspired her to create her own resources for families.

“I started this journey because of my love of stories and imagination, and I’ve been using books in my therapy sessions for years and have enjoyed books and story-telling with my own children,” she said.

“I always find it a wonderful and magical experience. I’ve always wanted to be able to point families towards resources which are specifically designed with speech and language concepts and structures in mind, so I decided to create my own.

“These stories have been constructed in a way that focuses learning of question words and what they mean, as well as how to respond to them. The stories are interesting and engaging and filled with whimsical and friendly illustrations which are engaging for adults and children to enjoy together.”

Her debut title sees woodland friends Squirrel, Mouse and Rabbit on an exciting adventure to discover who is hiding. The question technique helps and encourages children with their language development through repetition.

She added: “The passion to use books to promote language development has been part of my therapy practice for years. So I finally wrote the books I wish had existed.”

Who? Hide and Seek is now available to buy on Amazon and at high street book stores.