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

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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.

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.”