Children’s book Launches at Award-Winning Pastel Bakery
A festive new children’s book featuring Newtongrange’s much-loved community cat, Mo, has officially launched — and is now available to purchase at the award-winning Pastel Bakery and online via moundtheminingvillage.co.uk
Mo and the Peeing Dug, the latest chapter in Mo’s adventures, brings a humorous seasonal tale to readers young and old. The book also celebrates community pride by featuring well-loved local landmarks around Newtongrange – the mining village – including the Peeing Dug statue, the National Mining Museum, the Newtongrange Silver Band, the church, the school, and more.
A photo of Paula Swan, owner of Pastel Bakery, was taken in-store on the day of the book’s release, showing local support for the continued success of the Mo stories.
Following the success of the previous title, Mo and the Mining Village, the author has honoured the commitment made within its pages by making two donations to Lothian Cat Rescue, supporting animal welfare in the region. Sales of the original book remain strong, and further donations will continue as purchases increase.
The author is also actively involved in local community life, regularly attending events to highlight the real community spirit shown by Mo both in the books and in everyday life. They have also been touring local nurseries and primary schools, sharing Mo’s story with young children and encouraging kindness, empathy, and community values. These educational visits are set to continue throughout the festive season, with plans to tour again around Christmas time in support of the new story.
In addition to the storybook, an activity book is now available, featuring puzzles, colouring pages, and even a special “missing/alternate ending” page — inviting young readers to imagine how Mo’s adventure might unfold differently.
While earlier news articles suggested that the petition (which inspired Mo and the Mining Village) had been successful, the author — who is also the creator of the petition — confirms they have not yet received an official response from the Co-op, despite multiple attempts to make contact. It appears that Mo is no longer being asked to leave the premises by staff, which seems to be due to staff discretion rather than an approved company decision.
Since the release of the books, Mo has gained increasing attention, with two new enclosures appearing outside the Co-op (photo supplied). No formal acknowledgement has been made regarding their installation.
The Co-op has not permitted promotional posters for the book to be displayed in-store, citing policy restrictions, while other posters are visible that appear to operate outside similar guidelines. This is stated purely as a factual observation.
Despite limited support from the retailer, Mo’s popularity continues to grow, and the release of Mo and the Peeing Dughas been met with excitement across the community.
📚 Mo and the Peeing Dug is available now:
- In person at the award-winning Pastel Bakery, Newtongrange
- Online at moundtheminingvillage.co.uk
- 🖍️ Matching activity book also available.
Just in time for Christmas, Mo’s new adventure spreads smiles, highlights the importance of community spirit, and invites children to become part of the story. Perfect for Christmas Eve boxes, bedtime reading, or festive gifting, Mo and the Peeing Dug brings warmth, humour and community spirit to the holiday season.