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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

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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.


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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.”

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CCBC
Family photo/CCBC
Chester and Jeff

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