The first rule when writing a book is almost always, 'write what you know' but for busy mum-of-two and freelance marketing consultant Catherine Cannon it was more a case of 'write what you need to know'. When Catherine's son was four years old he had a keen interest in the rural world around him – understandable as the family live in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside. His interest in farming and especially tractors went beyond the usual plot-based stories aimed at his age group and the more technical publications available lacked the necessary charm and character. Catherine found herself regularly making up stories about the surrounding farms and villages and swotting up to supplement them with interesting facts about machinery and agriculture to keep him entertained and stimulated.

Encouraged by friends and family Catherine set up an independent press, Red Wellies Publishing, to publish stories featuring her children's favourite character, Felix the Fast Tractor. Set against the enviable Cumbrian landscape the first three titles have been heralded locally and now Catherine hopes to use her marketing background to take the hardworking hero nationwide.

Catherine's fresh direction in storytelling sits well alongside the traditional illustrations of Jean Murphy and June Allan creating an appealing agricultural star in Felix with a distinctly educational angle.