Caerphilly Observer
Member Sign in Manage Membership
Become a Member - no ads
Menu
  • News
    • Senedd
    • Business
    • Newport
    • Opinion
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership & Subscriptions
  • Notices
  • Obituaries
  • About
    • Advertise
  • Sponsored Content
Menu

Eight-year-old writes book about his pet cats to keep busy during lockdown

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 16:10, Friday February 19th, 2021.
Last updated: 16:10, Friday February 19th, 2021

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Eight-year-old Joseph Smith poses with the book he wrote
Eight-year-old Joseph Smith poses with the book he wrote

An eight-year-old boy from Risca has written a book about his pet cats’ adventures.

Joseph Smith, from Risca, was inspired to write the story book after imagining what his cats would get up to at night.

Writing The Amazing Night-Time Adventures of Chester and Jeff has helped keep Joseph busy during the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

The artwork for 'The Amazing Night time Adventures of Chester and Jeff'
The artwork for ‘The Amazing Night time Adventures of Chester and Jeff’

Joseph’s mother, Emma Smith, said: “Joseph’s way of distracting himself from missing his friends and wider family would be to tell stories about what he imagined his two pet cats, Chester and Jeff, would get up to at night when we were all asleep.

“Turning his imaginations into something solid created an enjoyable project for the whole household to focus on during a time when everything else was so uncertain.”

Ms Smith, who helped Joseph write the stories, said she was “so proud” of her son.


Sign-up to our daily newsletter


After the artwork was provided by Ukrainian illustrator Mariia Luzina provided, the book was printed.

A website was then set up by Joseph’s dad, where the book could be bought online.

Joseph, who attends Risca Primary School, said: “We had so much fun making the book so wanted to share it with everyone. I’m already having ideas for a Christmas cat adventure.”

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.

Become a member today

CCBC
Family photo/CCBC
Chester and Jeff

Latest News

  • Artist impression of the Old Green Roundabout proposals
    Old Green Roundabout petition set for council debateMonday, March 9, 2026
  • Seren Price with some of her medals and trophies
    ‘She’s smashing it’: The young taekwondo star with a mighty medal haulMonday, March 9, 2026
  • Carol Dight, left, meeting King Charles at Windsor Castle
    Retired nurse honoured by King Charles at Windsor Castle Monday, March 9, 2026
  • Bid launched for Caerphilly to be named UK Town of Culture 2028Monday, March 9, 2026
  • Former McDonnell pub, Bargoed, pictured in July 2025
    Flats plan revived at former pub but takeaway proposal droppedMonday, March 9, 2026
  • Rugby round-up: Big wins for Rhymney, Bedwellty, and Bargoed AthleticMonday, March 9, 2026

Find out how the communities of Caerphilly County Borough get their names

Caerphilly

Legal & Public Notices

  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, March 5, 2026
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesFriday, February 6, 2026
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesFriday, January 23, 2026
  • Notice of application for a variation of a premises licence: Morgan Jones Bowling ClubThursday, January 15, 2026
© 2009-2026 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community Watford Road Caerphilly, CF83 1BJ. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.