Breakfast Club request leads to new book for Shropshire author

A simple request from two local children during a school breakfast club has blossomed into a new "cosy fantasy" titled The Fae in the Faraway Forest, which is now available for young readers across the county.

The independent author, J.A. Allen, who works daily with children aged between two and eleven, admits that the project was purely a response to the curiosity of his young pupils. On a typical Thursday morning, he was asked if he could write a proper chapter book just for them. Taking the challenge to heart, he began crafting a story that mirrors the vivid imaginations and "hilarious phrases" he encounters in his professional life.

Written specifically for the six-to-eleven age bracket, the book transports readers into an enchanted woodland teeming with mysterious fae. While the plot is rooted in magic and humour, the author notes that the underlying themes of kindness and curiosity were heavily influenced by the bright and passionate nature of the children he supports. He describes the writing process as a personal sanctuary, noting that it helps to calm a "loud and messy mind" while providing stories he genuinely wants to read aloud to his classes.

The Shropshire landscape, known for its deep-rooted connection to nature, provides a fitting backdrop for a tale aimed at families who enjoy fantasy grounded in the natural world. Although there are no plans for a formal high-street launch event, the author expressed a modest hope that the book will find a natural home on local bookshelves and within primary school classrooms.

By bypassing traditional publishing routes, the Telford author has maintained the personal touch that started the project in the first place. The Fae in the Faraway Forest is currently available in both paperback and eBook formats via Amazon, serving as a reminder that sometimes the best stories come from simply listening to the people around you - even if they haven't finished their breakfast yet.