I’ve had a lot of comments on social media and also little girls all around the world have been showing pictures of my book saying that they love it and feel empowered to wear their afro hair to school, so that makes me really happy,” she added. Daniella Blechner, 42, from West Norwood, south London, the founder of Conscious Dreams Publishing, said she initially helped aspiring authors as a “labour of love” by “connecting them to editors, typesetters and illustrators and mentoring them through the process of publishing”, all while working full-time as a teacher. Tiana’s mother, Dorothy, was so moved by her daughter's literary work, that she submitted it to Conscious Dreams Publishing, who in turn, made Tiana a published author, at the age of seven. Despite being "surprised at first" that her first book was published because of her age, Tiana now says she wants other young girls to find the courage to "follow their passion".

Tiana Akoh-Arrey from south-east London, wrote her first book at the age of seven, called My Afro: Twin Best Friends.I am happy I have managed to not feel small but also helped other girls have the courage of wearing their Afro hair in all shapes and styles without feeling embarrassed about their hair or caring what people say. I feel like I have been empowered and also empowered others.” That made me really sad, so I asked my mom to straighten my hair to look like my other friends who did not have an Afro. She explained to me that I should learn to be proud and accept my hair as it is because it’s beautiful. I was trying my hand at writing short stories, so I decided to write about my hair.”

And I felt unconsciously as a child that there was something not quite right with that – it didn’t sit well with me, so when it came to writing my books, I was determined to change that.” Children get self-assurance and a chance for self-reflection and validation when they see characters who look like themselves," explains the 9 year-old author. "As an added bonus, seeing themselves reflected in these characters might help kids see a world free of prejudice and discrimination.”One day at school, a kid made fun of my Afro and said that it made me look like a lion,” Tiana recounts. “That made me really sad, so I asked my mom to straighten my hair to look like my other friends who did not have an Afro. She explained to me that I should learn to be proud and accept my hair as it is because it's beautiful. I was trying my hand at writing short stories, so I decided to write about my hair.” More importantly… love yourself and be accepting of others – we’re all unique.” Enomwoyi Damali said a book should be like a mirror (Enomwoyi Damali/PA)

It’s crucial to reflect the reality of the diverse society we live in for the sake of our future generation; their stories matter. Representation matters.”Enomwoyi Damali, an educational psychologist and author who lives in Lewisham, south London, spoke to PA about the importance of having diverse characters in children’s books. While in year one, Tiana took part in a writing programme called Mrs Wordsmith which gave her the confidence to start writing her own “little books”. With help from the publishing company, the book sold more than 700 copies, which Tiana said, ‘meant a lot to me’, and she has plans to publish more. Tia and Aaoki are best friends. They love to dress and style their hair the same, but Tia's afro hair can be unruly and sometimes hurts to style and manage. When an outbreak of headlice invades the school, Tia is left in a panic. Will Tia lose her precious 'fro? Will her mum be able to give Tia the same hairstyle as her twin best friend Aaoki for 'picture day'?