With her debut book, a Hampstead nanny aims to teach children not to be frightened of dogs.

Alice Bryanton, 58, moved from France to Hampstead two years ago to become the nanny of five-year-old twins, Aarav and Arjun.

Noticing that one of the twins became nervous around dogs during the first lockdown, Alice was inspired to write You Didn’t Know You Were Brave.

The children’s book aims to encourage young children to be brave around dogs when walking or playing in parks.

“I noticed that one of the twins was afraid of dogs on our picnics and thought writing a story could help alleviate this fear,” said Alice.

The book was published on January 28 and illustrated by Kelly Mitchell, the daughter of a family Alice previously worked for in Johannesburg.

“I have never had any children of my own, but care deeply for them. They have so much to teach us as adults," she said. "So, all the proceeds will be donated to Save the Children.”

Ham & High: You Didn't Know You Were Brave by Alice Bryanton, illustrated by Kelly MitchellYou Didn't Know You Were Brave by Alice Bryanton, illustrated by Kelly Mitchell (Image: Alice Bryanton)