AN AUTHOR from North Yorkshire is hoping to fund a children's book to help under-tens speak out about abuse.

Christina Gabbitas, from Selby, is the author of the Felicity Fly series of books, which made the shortlist of a national competition earlier this year, and hopes to use Kickstarter campaign to fund the new rhyming picture book, entitled Share Some Secrets.

Christina is working with illustrator and game designer Ric Lumb, and said she has already spent about a year researching the project.

She said: "I don’t believe there is anything for children in this age group, addressing the issue in a child friendly story.

"Share Some Secrets is a book that encourages children to think about the secrets they should and shouldn't keep, encouraging them to speak out without fear, by giving praise. A great way of highlighting the difference between good and bad secrets. This is a topic, I feel very passionate about, after encountering individuals affected by abuse."

Christina said there are currently no books for children aged four to seven which address the issue of possible abuse, and while the story is subtle and not graphic in words or pictures, the book could help parents, carers and teachers when bringing up the issue.

She said: "There are no words or suggestions that a parent doesn't already use when speaking to their own young children.

"We teach our children to look out when crossing the road, and we teach them to swim, to keep them safe in water. I want to educate children from a young age, about the differences between good and bad secrets, and to give them the confidence to speak out. I don't want a child to harbour a secret, that is going to have a detrimental effect on the rest of their life. If I can be instrumental in helping one child, I will have done something amazing in my life."

To find out more, or to donate to the project, go to kickstarter.com and search for Christina Gabbitas.