Lockdown opened up new chapter for Francis
A SPECIAL friendship between two families during lockdown has culminated in a local man’s first storybook publication.
‘Callum and the Giant Clam’ began as a lockdown project for Francis Russell and he drew inspiration for the story from Guernsey’s beaches.
‘The idea for writing this book came out of the second lockdown, when I had a lot of time on my hands and we were missing our friends and their young son,’ he said.
‘My youngest son completed his open water diving course with Donkey Divers a year ago and really got me into snorkelling. I decided to write a short rhyming story that would feature the two boys and maybe connect our families during lockdown.’
The two characters in the book are based on Mr Russell’s 14-year-old son, and on Leo Harvey, the three-year-old son of a family friend.
‘There’s a big age gap, but Callum and Leo have a really special, brotherly relationship,’ said Chris Harvey, Leo’s father.
‘When we first read the story to Leo, he really loved it. He looked at me the other day and said he really liked being the hero at the end.’
Leo said his class at Stepping Stones Preschool read the book recently and he was happy to share it with his friends.
After moving to Guernsey in 2016, Mr Russell said, he spends much of his time exploring the beaches, natural places and wildlife that make Guernsey special. His passion for conservation and early education served as the basis for his children’s book.
‘I want children to read this story and fall in love with biology, science and adventure,’ said Mr Russell.
The story is about two young boys who spend their summer days by the sea. A scuba dive turns perilous and the characters must use their wits and reason to evade disaster.
Back on shore, the youngest character makes a discovery while playing in rockpools, and his curiosity and attention to detail saves the day.
It has been almost a year since Mr Russell began his publication journey and he is excited that the book is finally appearing in local stores for sale.
All proceeds from the book will go to Mr Harvey’s registered charity, Climb LBG.
It provides climbing and outdoor opportunities for under-represented groups across the Bailiwick.
Blue Ormer Publishing served as Mr Russell’s publisher for the project and Liberum Wealth and Sunshine Nursery & Preschool are sponsors.
The book is available at local book and gift shops including Cadeaux, Lexicon, Iris&Dora, and Candie Gardens, and online at www.blueormer.co.uk.
