BEST-SELLING author Hannah Russell has two sheep to thank for providing the inspiration for her latest book.

Hannah is mostly known for the books based on the antics of her miniature Shetland pony, Little Alf over the last eight years. She first began writing stories about her beloved pet aged 17, and has since written a further 14 titles, all based on animals and many featuring Little Alf himself.

Her 15th book “Izzy & Ida the Valais black nose sheep – A new home” is set to be released tomorrow. Aimed at readers aged six and under, it is a fictional story packed with illustrations. The story covers Izzy and Ida arriving at their new home in the Yorkshire Dales.

Author Hannah spends her working life surrounded an assortment of animals including horses, chickens, dogs, rabbits, fish, goats, guinea pigs and her two sheep Izzy and Ida. They all reside at her smallholding in the Yorkshire Dales.

“I studied BTEC agricultural and always wanted to get some sheep of my own one day," said Hannah.

“I love the Valais black nose sheep which originate from Switzerland and I loved the coats and how much character they had.

“After recovering from cancer treatment I decided to take the plunge and got two, naming them Izzy and Ida.

“I love my animals; I feel this will be the start of a whole new series.”

Ever since Izzy and Ida came to live with Hannah last year she has shared their exploits online, with her videos reaching a staggering 72 million views globally.

See www.hannahlittlealfandfriends.com/ to buy the new book.