A Kesgrave schoolgirl is one step closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming a “world famous author” after publishing her first novel aged 11.

Ipswich Star: Evie with cat Pina. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNEvie with cat Pina. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Evie Thacker created Laeraa, the magical coming-of-age tale of a teenage fox cub, while she was a Year 6 pupil at Cedarwood Primary School.

The young author wrote and illustrated the novel using her mobile phone.

Today is World Book Day and youngsters all over the country will be encouraged to explore the pleasure of reading.

Evie, who lives in Grange Farm and is now in Year 7 at Kesgrave High School, said: “I have always loved books, and writing and illustrating the books I write.

Ipswich Star: Evie uses the pen name, Cat May. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNEvie uses the pen name, Cat May. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“I am currently in my first year of high school; this is the first book written by me.

“Laeraa was started in my last year of primary school for my English teacher, Mrs Esling.

“It has been my life’s goal to become a world famous author; I hope this story is the beginning.”

Evie’s grandfather, Graham Cleaver, said: “It’s a great achievement for her to have started this book and finished it.

“I think it’s something she can be very proud of.”

Mr Cleaver is a teacher at Capel St Mary Primary School.

“I have read thousands of stories written by Year 5 and 6s and I think this is pretty good, but I’m biased,” he added.

Evie, who has a 10-year-old brother, Leo, and a seven-year-old sister, Isla, uses the pen name Cat May. Explaining the inspiration behind the pseudonym, Mr Cleaver said May was Evie’s middle name and she was “potty about cats”.

Laeraa is available to buy on Amazon.

This is the 21st World Book Day and the message this year is ‘Share a Story’.

To mark the occasion, Suffolk Libraries has created a list of recommended books to read with children.

Krystal Vittles, Suffolk Libraries development manager and children’s lead, said: “Research has shown that spending just 10 minutes a day reading with a child has huge benefits. It’s a great way to increase their literacy but the act of sitting together and enjoying a story is also really important and also fun.

“We think it’s really important to remind everyone how many brilliant children’s books are out there for families to enjoy together.”