Primary school teacher Mark Jarvis is celebrating the launch of a new children’s book which features a canine hero based on his pet Jack Russell called Ned.
Mark, from Oreston, has been a teacher at Widey Court Primary School for 26 years, but has now established a reputation as an author as well.
Ned and The Chocolate Cheats was published by Troubadour at the end of January and has already had a great response from adults and children alike.
Mark said:
“Many of the children at Widey Court have already bought the book and I know there are many other schools around the country where the book is being used – including Coleraine in Northern Ireland, Shrewsbury, Wrexham and at least three other schools in Plymouth.
“The book addresses many different issues and can be used in a variety of ways. In the story, Ned comes across stray, homeless dogs. There is also the issue of animals eating chocolate!
“There are many environmental issues that are discussed. These range from global warming, to protection of endangered animals There might also be questions about organised crime, gang membership, MI5 and Interpol.
“Use of modern technology also plays an important part in the story. And since Ned and Jeff travel across the world, children can track their journey, perhaps using Google maps, or indeed ‘poodle maps!”
The story starts in Plymouth when Gizzmo, the technologically talented cat from next door, tells Ned about a robbery at the local shop, he immediately gets his person to take him for a walk to investigate. Although he and his person mean well, in attempting to solve this mystery, they become embroiled in the mysterious world of MI5 and the battle against organised crime.
The reluctant heroes race across the world, to thwart a dastardly chocolate related plot. Can they foil their enemies’ plans – and will their foes recieve their just desserts?
Ned, the canine hero, is based on Mark’s real-life companion and was the inspiration for the thrilling tale.
“My dog Ned has accompanied me on most of my travels, and we have had many shared experiences. I began to wonder one day what if Ned could travel with me to other countries and what if Ned could talk, and tell me about our experiences? That would be the dream. So I started writing,”
added Mark.
Ned and The Chocolate Cheats is suitable for children aged nine and 10 is available from Waterstones, Amazon, Troubadour and many other places at £7.99.
