CHILDREN’S author Bruna De Luca will make her Borders Book Festival debut this year as a guest – although she has been many times as a visitor.

Bruna – who was brought up in Selkirk but now stays in Darnick – says she has been making up stories ever since she was wee, and has never outgrown children’s books.

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After graduating from Edinburgh University with a dissertation on Italian fairytales, the Scotalian moved to Italy where she taught children and adults to speak English, albeit with a Scottish twang.

But in 2014 she returned to the Borders, and hopes to live happily ever after.

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Her book, I’m not Cute, I’m Dangerous, which was partly written in the Apples for Jam café, is about not judging by appearances and embracing your quirks.

The main character Fifi was born furry and incredibly cute – not the best characteristics for a crocodile. Teased by her sisters, Fifi goes in search of a solution. So can Fifi the fluffy crocodile stop her sisters teasing her for being different?

You can hear how Fifi sets out to prove she is just as dangerous as her siblings, even if she is (whisper it) cute, at the fun-filled family event with interactive storytelling and snappy games.

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Bruna said: “I’m really looking forward to the Borders Book Festival but a slightly nervous. It’s a bit intimidating appearing alongside such big names, but I’ve had a lot of support from other parents at Melrose Primary School.

“The festival is always a fantastic event and I’m so glad that it’s back home at Harmony House in Melrose. I feel really lucky to have been invited.

“My book is aimed at children aged three to six and it’s about learning to accept yourself and embracing uniqueness.

“I’ll be reading the book but there will also be dressing up and games for the children to enjoy.”