A WORCESTERSHIRE businessman’s wish to inspire his grandchildren to love reading has led to the publication of his debut adventure story.
The Adventures of Thomas and the Magic Owl was written primarily by Ian Jukes as a gift to his grandsons Oliver, Thomas and Miles but can now be enjoyed by all pre-teen children with vivid imaginations who enjoy action-packed tales of cheeky, yet well-mannered, characters.
Readers can follow the adventures of young tortoise Thomas and his magical friend Owliver as they travel to faraway islands, across stormy seas and over land to meet the King of England.
On the way, the intrepid friends encounter ruthless pirates and a cunning highwayman and stay at a haunted inn.
Mr Jukes, who lives in Worcester and is chairman of Pulsar UK in Redditch, enlisted the help of fellow Worcestershire businesses for the project.
Brendan McMahon, creative director of Bromsgrove-based Classic Lines Design, created the full colour illustrations and the book was edited by award-nominated author Chris Green, managing partner of Chris Green Media in Worcester.
It has been printed by The Lemon Press in Redditch. Mr Jukes is donating 500 copies of the book to FareShare Midlands and 250 copies to Worcestershire Ambassadors, of whom he is a member, for distribution to local charities.
“I’ve been an avid book lover all my life and I’m keen to pass on that enthusiasm,” he said.
“The footballer, campaigner and FareShare ambassador Marcus Rashford said that reading changes your outlook and mentality and children from all backgrounds should be able to escape through books.
“I totally agree and hope my book will help to fire children’s imaginations and write their own stories.”
Simone Connolly, director for FareShare Midlands said: “Thousands of children live in poverty across the Midlands region, and our role is to supply a network of charities and community groups with surplus food who in turn reach as many of them as possible so they don’t go hungry.
“We’re delighted to partner with Ian to help distribute his generous donation of books as part of the deliveries we are making.”
The Adventures of Thomas and the Magic Owl is available to buy from www.thomasandowliver.com
