Dog’s antics inspire Tavistock supermarket worker to write children’s books

A clothing assistant from Milton Abbot has become a self-published children’s author after being inspired by the antics of her friend’s puppy.

Catherine Leeves, 48, who works at her local supermarket near Tavistock, released her debut book Mischievous Mabel in 2021, followed by a sequel last year. 

Both books are based on the real-life adventures of a border terrier named Mabel.

"I am very new to the concept of book writing,” said Mrs Leeves. 

“It was only when I received a message from my friend Christina in August 2020 about some of the antics her new border terrier puppy named Mabel had been getting up to, that I literally got a spark of inspiration to put pen to paper.”

With the help of a local friend who had experience in self-publishing, Mrs Leeves submitted her manuscript in early 2021. 

She described being “absolutely delighted” when her first fictional children’s book became available on her 45th birthday in August of that year.

Now an established author under the name Catherine J Leeves, she says she is keen to write a third book. 

“To keep the storyline[s] new and evolving, I am currently looking out for further and new inspiration,” she said.

Mrs Leeves, who recently marked 25 years of long service with her employer, spends her days off horse riding on Dartmoor, walking with her husband Jon, and occasionally taking on high-flying challenges – including a recent zipline flight at Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales.

Reflecting on her journey so far, she said: “I thoroughly enjoy my work as an F&F clothing assistant, but writing has opened up a creative side I hadn’t explored before.”

Both Mischievous Mabel and The Adventures Of Mischievous Mabel are set in the West Country and draw on the region’s scenery and charm. 

The books are available online under her full name, Catherine J Leeves.