Cornwall’s Lizard peninsula was the inspiration for a children’s book that takes readers into a magical world of rainbow-coloured jewels, wise animals and exciting adventures.

Written by Belinda Jane Robinson and illustrated by local artist Jenny Everett, ‘Me and My Diamond’ is a beautifully imagined tale of two children, Molly and Joe, finding a map of ‘The Diamond Field’ in a suitcase belonging to Binny, their grandmother.

Guided by her, the Lightkeeper and family cat Charlie, the children go to Africa on Monday, Australia and Oceania on Tuesday, the Middle East and Eurasia on Wednesday, Asia on Thursday, North America on Friday, South America on Saturday and Europe on Sunday – discovering different jewels of wisdom along the way.

Born in the Far East, author Belinda Jane was visiting a former nursing friend in Cornwall when her own transformative voyage began.

“I’d had a lot of personal traumas and was feeling both sad and disempowered,” she said. “Diana kindly invited me to stay, and I then spent nearly two years being inspired by regular walks on The Lizard’s wonderful serpentine cliffs.

“I would often ponder and write at The Polpeor Café. Gazing out to sea, I could easily imagine the whole world spreading around, above and before me – becoming great oceans and continents that were full of life and learning.

“In the distance I could see the Lizard Point lighthouse standing in a field of beautiful wildflowers. A beacon of diamond light gently rotating, reflecting rainbow colours and standing as a symbol of refuge and hope. 

“I found my own inner diamond there and, at the end of ‘Me and My Diamond’, Molly and Joe have a better understanding of life and its challenges too.

“This book is for my grandchildren and all the other children and parents out there who enjoy a good story. Jenny Everett’s original illustrations are superb, and I’d like to thank her and everyone else who has helped in bringing ‘Me and My Diamond’ to life.”

Belinda Jane will be signing copies of her book at the Helford Sailing Club Christmas Fair on Saturday 23 November from 11am. 

For more information and to buy a copy online, visit www.meandmydiamond.com and Amazon.