Cover story - Jo’s book flying high

Flying high - Jo hopes book will help shy kids

Photo courtesy Jo Blake

Stuck in Covid lockdown, South Molton mum and artist Jo Blake saw an online advert ‘how to write a children’s book in five days’. Four days later she’d completed her first draft, and now it’s for sale through web giant Amazon - and there’s even a copy in South Molton Library!

Inspired by her own childhood experiences, ‘Shy Skye Flies High’ is about a young hyacinth macaw called Skye, who finds the courage to overcome her fears and play with her friends. It’s aimed at four to eight year olds.

“The story is based on my school days. Being quiet, I was often left out and alone at break time and found it difficult to make friends,” Jo told Molton Monthly. “I hope to inspire others to push through their shyness. If I can do it you can do it too!”

Jo had considered writing a book before but says she always made excuses not to finish it, but when she saw the free Facebook course she thought, “what have I got to lose?”

You can buy signed copies of the paperback direct from Jo (Jo Blake Art on Instagram and Facebook), and via Amazon. Jo says she’s happy to sign copies bought online as well. amazon.co.uk/Shy-Skye-Flies-HighChildrens/dp/B08NRZ1XRR