Children’s author Shangri-La Durham-Thompson used the birth of her first grandchild as inspiration for a book to celebrate “the gift of her smile”.

The book is to be presented to the Bermuda public at a special book signing on Christmas Eve at Brown & Co’s bookstore on Hamilton’s Front Street.

Dr Durham-Thompson said: “I think babies are sent from heaven to bring happiness to earth.”

She added the book “teaches us to value the importance of a simple smile”.

Dr Durham-Thompson said she was inspired in part by reading to granddaughter Nina Solei, who will be 3 next February.

The illustrated book Presenting Princess Solei on Her First Birthday, was promoted by Dr Durham-Thompson at Toronto’s Word on the Street literature festival in September.

Little Nina was at the book signing in Toronto and will also be at Brown & Co this Sunday from 2pm to 4pm.

Dr Durham-Thompson added: “I wanted to pass on something positive to the world.”

Published by AuthorHouse, the book is $22 in paperback and $32 for a hardback copy.