They say that everyone has a good book in them, but few find out if that’s true. A group of Scottish primary pupils, however, have just achieved what most people only dream of after publishing their own work.

Youngsters at Craigour Park Primary in Edinburgh wrote a children’s book, entitled Liam and the Alien, as part of a community initiative. The book was showcased at the recent Edinburgh International Book Festival, where it was on sale to the public. Produced by WhiteWater Publishing, it can also be bought at Blackwell’s bookstores and through online giant, Amazon.

Carol Cameron, head of the Edinburgh school, said: “The pupils have shown passion and creativity and have put in a huge effort to make this happen. They’ve been rewarded with a published book that will go on sale and will remain in the national archive forever. It’s a huge achievement and the whole school is extremely proud.”

The idea was developed through a partnership between the school and city community group, Moredun Makes it Happen, which encourages healthy living in the area.

The P6 class worked with children’s author Natalie Russell and the illustration department at the Edinburgh College of Art to develop a Moredun-based storybook promoting healthy living for four to seven-year- olds.

Pupils put the illustrations in front of their target audience, P1 pupils, and held a book-reading in the school library.

Project co-ordinator Emma Dempsey said: “The aim of the book is to highlight Moredun’s many assets and to `normalise’ healthy living. The book has been great to work on and the children have been amazing. They came up with a great storyline and have been excited about the whole process.”

Pupils also worked with the Pencilling Creative Ideas project, which brings authors, children and publishers together, to produce their book.

It has already received public support from politicians, with Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray signing a motion congratulating the children on their book.

www.pencillingcreativeideas.co.uk.