A FORMER science teacher has discovered the formula for writing success after launching his second children’s book.
Octavius Longcroft-Wheaton caught the writing bug through the combination of boredom and the arrival of a family of stray cats during lockdown.
The result was his Hello Mr Bow Tie story about the family’s struggle in the wild and how they find a new home after being dumped.
He said: “We took in a family of stray cats and their behaviour fascinated me.
“We took them in and after a while I started thinking I could write a story about it. It’s aimed at all animal lovers.”
The former Eggars and Churcher’s College science teacher has continued the story of Puss Puss, Mrs Mittens and their kittens in the follow-up, Hello Mr Bow Tie, Who Are Your New Friends?
The Denmead author will hold a reading and signing session at The Petersfield Bookshop from 1pm to 2.30pm this Saturday.
Although the stories are aimed at kids aged 8 to 14 he feels the message of pet welfare and trust among abandoned animals has universal appeal.