A former Trellech School and Monmouth Comprehensive School pupil has fond memories of picking blackberries along the hedgerows of Penallt. Illustrator Sarah Edmonds’ love of fruit foraging is one of the inspirations behind her new picture book, Sunshine Pie.

Sarah explains that ‘pie brings people together! Whether sweet or savoury, pie is a great way to combine seasonal ingredients: it’s fun to cook and share with friends and family. Pies are made by many hands - those that are part of the process of planting, harvesting and preparing the ingredients.’

This book is an appreciation of farming and growing food and the weather has its part to play too. Sarah’s vivid illustrations of the bright fruit and changing sky weave all these themes together beautifully into a warm hearted tale. The fruit in the book is ripened and sweetened by the sun’s rays... but will the fall of rain spoil the promise of a picnic?

She grew up on a farm locally and if you know her, you can spot her Dad Arthur as a character in the book!

She now lives in Worthing with her partner Matt and their 2 young children. Together they run a business selling cheeky gifts and homewares, often featuring playful puns and nature illustrations. Visit www.sarahedmondsshop.com to find out more.

Sunshine Pie: a story to grow, bake and share is published by Welbeck and is available to buy online and through your local bookshop. Follow Sarah on social media @sarahedmondsart