MONTGOMERY THE CHURCH MOUSE by Jane Byle, £12.99 hardback

CUMBRIAN author Jane Byle drew inspi-ration for this, her first children’s book, from her childhood in Norfolk during the 1960s, which she spent much of on the family farm.

It tells the story of Montgomery, a lonely mouse, who lives with his mother in St Mary’s Church at Middleton-in-the-Marsh.

Montgomery enjoys watching weddings and other ceremonies which are held in the church. One day he meets a young mouse called Martha and falls in love with her.

But their lives and community are threatened by mousetraps and a hungry barn owl called Bernard.

Affectionately and humorously illustrated by Tim Budgen, it is published by Lancaster-based 2QT Publishing.

Also available in paperback for £7.99 (ISBN 978-1-910077214) Jane Byle’s first book Autumn Leaves, a story of love and loss, was also published by 2QT Publishing, in 2012.