A Shaunavon author has stepped into another area of writing, and right before Christmas.

Dianne Greenlay is already a published author of The Quintspinner books, as well as a short story and play called The Camping Guy.

Greenlay has now decided to write children's books, and the first book in her series of seven is out now.

The book is based on a real life hairless cat of Greenlay's named Grooty.

She explains the book's story line, "In Book One, Katy actually finds Grooty. He's a little barn baby and because he's hairless, he needs a home for the winter. And when she takes him home, then he, in turn, gives her a gift in exchange for the friendship and love that she's shown to him. And each one of the books beyond that presents a topic of friendship and kindness and confidence."

The second book in the series could be out by late winter or early spring.

Greenlay says that when the COVOD pandemic first hit and everything was locked down, she decided that writing children's books was something she wanted to do.

She is also selling adults and children's mugs and other merchandise featuring Grooty.

You can find Grooty books and merchandise at the display at The Grand Coteau Heritage and Cultural Center in Shaunavon, and at the Shaunavon Physical Therapy Center. 

Greenlay says she will also have books and merchandise at the Christmas Craft Show in December.

And the books are also available on Amazon December first.