Shanklin resident Anna Southwell has just published the 2nd instalment in her Island-based children’s fantasy series: Oliver Gruffle – Secrets of Harmony Haven.
The Scarab King, which she wrote on a typewriter because of visual impairment, was inspired by Anna’s love of Egypt.
The Oliver Gruffle series of children’s books features talking animals, and Anna hopes children will have their own favourites.
Anna explains:
“I love Pickle the piglet because he is like an innocent child. He will love anyone who can do things he cannot. He is a very sweet character. But my new favourite character in this book is called Ben McRadish, who is a magical cat. He is the opposite of Pickle, always getting things wrong. He had a curse put on him that gave him an everlasting smile.”
Anna was born and bred on the Isle of Wight and loves the Island. She likes to donate some profits of her book sales to Island charities.
The author has said:
“I think the magic of the Island is seeing others be creative in so many ways. People seem happier when they move here. I love the community spirit also. It is special to me how strangers are helpful seeing that I have visually impaired sight.”
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Anna hasn’t let her sight problems affect her and she dedicates this book to her favourite Island charity:
“I have made some loving friendships at Sight for Wight who support the blind and visually impaired and who have wonderful, caring volunteers. My life has been enriched by meeting all the people who go there!”
Oliver Gruffle – Secrets of Harmony Haven – Book 2: The Scarab King by Anna Southwell (Illustrated by Joanna Scott) at £6.99 is available at Isle of Wight Traders in Newport or online at Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/Oliver-Gruffle-Secrets-Harmony-Scarab/dp/1913894061.
