A BLACK Country-born teacher has celebrated the publication of his first children’s book – about a young girl with autism.

Chris Passey’s debut storybook Millie’s Socks has just been published by Olympia and Bumblebee Books.

Deputy head at Kimichi Independent Music School in Acocks Green in Birmingham, Chris was inspired by one of his pupils to create the book which features illustrations painstakingly hand-painted in watercolour by the school’s head of science, Siobhan King.

Millie’s Socks follows a neurodivergent girl of mixed heritage who has 'rain in her brain and butterflies in her tummy' - as she goes on a journey of self-discovery through the love of her socks.

Stripey, spotty, odd, long, short, holey, funny - each morning before school Millie carefully chooses the socks that make her feel the best. But when she loses her favourite pair to the washing machine, she discovers her superpowers weren't on her feet, but inside her all along.

The book has been praised for its portrayal of neurodiversity and ITV’s This Morning presenter Alison Hammond said on Twitter that she “absolutely loved it”.

Chris, aged 36, who was born and raised in Wordsley and now lives in Bromsgrove, said: “I’m incredibly grateful to the wonderful staff and students at Kimichi who inspired this story of inclusivity, diversity and representation.

“It was a dream come true to be offered a publishing contract and to see it fulfilled and on bookshelves is a very unique feeling, that’s for sure!”

The book is for readers aged seven and above and features a style of front thought to help people with ADHD to read and comprehend more efficiently.

Touchwood Shopping Centre, Solihull, will host a meet and greet with Chris and Siobhan on Saturday May 27.

Meanwhile, the book is available from Amazon (paperback and Kindle), Waterstones in Solihull and Peters of Birmingham.

Bookshops and schools can contact OIympia Publishing for supply and class sets.