BEST selling children's author Julia Donaldson, who wrote The Gruffalo, has released a new book, following the fortunes of a hospital visiting dog.

Julia, who is the patron of Nailsworth-based children's charity Read for Good, was inspired to write The Hospital Dog after a visit to Evelina Children’s Hospital in London where she saw first-hand the positive impact a visit from a furry friend can have on children in hospital.

To celebrate the publication of the book, Nailsworth charity Read for Good has teamed up with Macmillan Children’s Books, who will gift 10,000 new books from their award-winning list to children of all ages, through 30 children’s hospitals across the UK, as well as other medical and educational settings.

Read for Good provides new books along with storyteller visits to brighten up the days of children in all of the UK’s main children’s hospitals.

Children unable to leave their beds can choose books from a specially designed mobile bookcase which wheels right up to their bedside.

As the books are brand new, they are safe for those at high risk of infection.

Brand new books are supplied every six weeks to reach some 150,000 ill children and their siblings every year.

Read for Good will also be hosting a special virtual reading and draw-along of The Hospital Dog with Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie to enable children in hospitals and their schools to enjoy the big-hearted tale of a very brave, very special therapy dog called Dot.

And through the charity, one lucky school will be able to win a dedication in one of Julia Donaldson’s new books, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.

See: readforgood.org