Leeds dance teacher's children's story: 'I don't want any child to give up on their dreams because of Covid'

A story written by a Leeds dance teacher to help her younger students cope during lockdown was so popular she decided to get it published.
Shona Stringer with Abigal Bear.

Photo: Gary LongbottomShona Stringer with Abigal Bear.

Photo: Gary Longbottom
Shona Stringer with Abigal Bear. Photo: Gary Longbottom

Now Shona Stringer's book called 'Abigail Bear The Lockdown' is for sale on Amazon and independent booksellers across the globe.

And Shona, of Rothwell, is being kept busy on Zoom calls reading the book to children at dance schools and primary schools across Yorkshire.

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Mum of three Shona, who has run Zest Dance Studios in Morley for 17 years, had to start doing dance classes via Zoom during the first lockdown last April.

Shona Stringer from Rothwell, Leeds reading her Abigail Bear book on one of her Zoom calls.

Photo: Gary LongbottomShona Stringer from Rothwell, Leeds reading her Abigail Bear book on one of her Zoom calls.

Photo: Gary Longbottom
Shona Stringer from Rothwell, Leeds reading her Abigail Bear book on one of her Zoom calls. Photo: Gary Longbottom

She said some of the younger children couldn't get used to not going to lessons, missed their friends and would get upset.

So she decided to write a story about how the dance school's mascot, Abigail Bear, was coping and adapting to the changes brought on by lockdown.

She emailed the story out to parents, shared it on social media and received many positive responses.

The book was published by Grosvenor House in November.

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Abigail Bear is named after Shona's 17 year old daughter Abigail and her sons Toby, 14, and Jude, nine, also get mentions in the book - along with some of her dance students.

"Abigail is a little bear - with a big love of dance," said Shona. "She loves to dance with her friends at Madame Swan's dance school, and she really enjoys telling her class all about it at school.

"So, what will happen when both her dance class and her school must close suddenly, without warning? Will Abigail ever get used to the new normal?

"I wrote it because I felt really helpless and I wanted to help the kids I am close to who are struggling."

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Shona said: "I really want to encourage children to continue with their hobbies, sports and interests , whether it's dancing or football or karate, even if it means they can't do things in the usual way. I don't want any child to give up on their dreams because of Covid.

"If you are a talented dancer or a talented footballer, please keep working towards your goals."

She added: "I’m so loving zooming into primary schools to talk about lockdown and my book. I’m constantly humbled by how well these kids are adjusting.

"I get so many messages from parents and teachers saying how it is helping children."

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