A TIVERTON children’s aut-hor is exploring the wonderful world of fairy tales this month.

Amy Sparkes, whose latest picture book, Do Not Enter the Monster Zoo, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize in December, will be running the course, ‘Fabulous Fairy Tales’, at PETROC.

She said: “Fairy tales are fabulous – they have been around for hundreds of years and are still popular today.

“Aspiring writers can learn a lot from them.”

Amy was so inspired by the wealth of material in fairy tales that she wrote her second book, Gruff’s Guide to Fairy Tale Land, as a humorous spin on the traditional tales.

The book, illustrated by Benji Davies, went on to be shortlisted for the People’s Book Prize in 2011.

Amy said: “The course is for anyone interested in children’s stories, from picture books to young adult, either hoping for publication or just writing for pleasure.

“There will also be opportunities to create your own fairy tales or develop ideas based on the traditional tales.”

Amy has run writing classes at PETROC for several years and has set up a children’s writers group in Tiverton.

She said: “I’m keen to support new writers. It’s a very competitive world and I create courses which I think would have helped me when I started.”

The course starts on Thurs-day, January 23, and runs for three weeks – to enrol, call Sam Martin on 01271 852356, or email recreationteam@petroc. ac.uk