A seven-year-old has dressed up as a character based on herself for World Book Day.

Winter Dowley has become the star character in her grandmother’s debut book.

Shortly after her grandaughter’s birth, Lana Spinks, 53, had a dream about her which she remembered when she woke up and wrote everything down as quickly as possible.

And now, the book has been published by Pegasus. Lana emailed the company last year and to her surprise, they eagerly picked it up.

Lana said: “It’s something that I didn’t think would happen. I did keep it [the story] to myself for a couple of years.”

Winter’s mum, Jasmin Dowley said: “It’s very unique, not a lot of people can say their daughter is in a book.”

The book features Winter’s character, a rabbit called Dit and her sister, Autumn.

Her character is illustrated with blonde curly hair, bright blue eyes and a lover of animals – it’s a very true description of her daughter, says Jasmin.

But Winter has been very relaxed about her starring role.

“When we told her she was like ‘Oh yeah, of course’ – she took it as ‘Well why wouldn’t I have a book?’ – it was quite funny.

“She tells everybody – her other nan has a cafe and the book is in there so whenever we go she tells the other customers ‘That’s me’. She’s very proud,” said Jasmin.

For World Book Day today, the seven-year-old is dressed just like her character – in pink pyjamas, brown slippers and has a crocheted cat by her side.

Jasmine laughed: “It’s definitely the easiest World Book Day costume I’ve done.”

Winter said: “I’m really excited, I love books. It feels really nice to dress as myself and I like how I have the bunny and carrots.”

But next, Winter says her grandma should write about her younger sister Olive, and their ginger cat Monty.

Four-year-old Olive will also be dressing up as Winter’s character for World Book Day.

Jasmine said: “Olive is very feisty and isn’t afraid to speak her mind so I’m sure once she realises she doesn’t have a book, she will be demanding one.”

Lana said: “I’ve got some more ideas and at some point, I will have to write one for Olive as well.”

Winter by Lana Spinks is stocked locally at Clementines Food & Home, in Snodland within the Antiques Emporium.

It can also be purchased online on Amazon, Waterstones, WH Smith, Foils & Pegasus Publishers.