Child behaviourist Michelle Melzack believes children learn by what they see, not by what they are told.

The 51-year-old mother of two, who lives in Borehamwood and gained an NVQ in Childcare at West Herts College, in Watford, has written her first book called Charlie's Cream Tea, which aims to encourage positive behaviour and sharing in children aged below five.

Her colourful story book follows a happy-go-lucky crocodile called Charlie. One day, he decides he would like a cream tea and goes shopping, only to discover the scones come in packs of 10. He buys them along with the cream and jam.

On his journey home he meets some of his friends and invites them to join him for tea. A couple of his friends invite a friend of theirs too, but this doesn’t go down very well with Charlie...

Michelle, who has been a childcare specialist for 18 years and also writes under her grandmother’s name Victoria Hart, explains why she believes her tale is full of educational tools to help toddlers learn about numbers and how to build friendships…

How does it feel to have a book published?

I'm delighted with the result and seeing my dream as a reality. The illustrations have brought Charlie and his friends to life.

Why did you want to write about this?

I have worked with children for 18 years. Part of my job is reinforcing positive behaviour. Repetition is how children learn. Children love books and my feelings were that this is an excellent way to pass on the messages within the story whilst learning about numbers too.

Can you tell me about your career?

I started volunteering in childcare 21 years ago when my daughter started nursery, before qualifying as an NVQ Level three Child Behaviour Specialist with 18 years' experience in Early Years Education. I left nursery after 14 years as I had to get a full time job for various reasons. Then I went back into Childcare a few years later because I missed working with children. In 2014 I studied for my Diploma in Child Behaviour and Advanced Special Needs and decided to work for myself with families giving support or directions for diagnosis.

Why do you feel passionate and enthusiastic about promoting positive behaviour in children?

Children learn what they see not what they are told. It’s very hard for parents to stay on top of things nowadays with so much pressure on them and financial difficulties. I offer a little help and understanding and with a little readjustments help parents get back on track.

Has writing always been a passion since childhood or is it something you’ve taken up later in life?

I took up writing about six years ago. I enjoy it and keep coming up with new stories all the time.

Do you have any plans to write more stories in the future?

I have written a couple more books, however they haven’t yet been published.

In the meantime, I will be continuing to see families and still write articles on Childcare too and am looking to write a couple of more stories that can help with children's anxieties.

Charlie's Cream Tea can be purchased on Amazon.