A woman with autism from Rotherham has published her debut children’s book and wants to inspire other neurodivergent young people to follow their aspirations.

When Lisa Victoria, 32, wrote Charlie the Cat in 2021, she did so without publishing in mind. She had initially written it as a Christmas present for her mum, Denise, following the death of their ragdoll cat, Charlie.

Lisa says it took her a week to write the short story, and she then enlisted the help of her friend, Valentina Rossato from Argentina, to illustrate it. On Christmas morning, Denise was totally surprised to unwrap a beautiful A4 hardback copy of her daughter’s story.

“It was the best Christmas present I’ve ever received – and nothing else will ever beat it. I couldn’t believe how well Valentina had captured Charlie and parts of our home in the illustrations,” Denise says.

But as well as being a lovely memento of a cat they had for 15 years, Denise could also see that Lisa’s story could help her find her purpose.

“I knew that it would also be good to show what people with autism can do. Lisa has struggled in the past with not feeling worthy. By having her book put into print she becomes an author and it will help improve her self-esteem and give her a purpose.”

With the help of John Brailsford Printers at Parkgate, Denise set about self-publishing a limited-edition print run of Charlie the Cat. A period of ill health and Lisa’s wedding in 2023 put the project on the back burner for a while, but Charlie the Cat was finally published in December 2024.

And Lisa is already planning a sequel following Charlie’s escapades alongside their other cat, a Bengal called Angel.

The A4 children’s book is priced at £7.50 and available to buy from Denise’s shop, The Gift Box on Laburnum Parade in Maltby.