By Carole Dennett
The Royal Isle of Wight County Show was the scene of a special milestone for local author, Jo Cooper. Whilst exhibiting at the show, John Urry bought the 500th copy of her book, A Red Sky, for his great-grandson, six-year-old Freddie Craddock. The book, set in 1940, tells the story of two ten-year-old evacuees to the Isle of Wight, as World War II rages and the south coast becomes a target for German bombs. The escapades of Lyndy and Reggie were carefully researched by Jo, as well as the privations and hardships they faced.
Jo said: “I am so pleased that the pleasure I had when researching and writing A Red Sky has been so well received. For people, especially children, to be able to learn about the trials, tribulations and dangers the evacuees experienced and also the fun and adventures they created for themselves was the context of the book.
“Having been brought up in Binstead, which appears as Little Bridge in the book, it was good to be able to relate to the things and places I did and knew. I must say that my parents gave me so many memories of the time, as they were involved in it, as a fireman and as a Red Cross nurse. To reach 500 sales in 13 months, just self-publishing, is a great thrill to me and my husband, Bob.”
Jo has now written a sequel to A Red Sky, called Sparkles In The Navy Blue Sky, with more adventures for Lyndy and Reggie. With illustrations by Island artist, Maria Ward, the books are written for children but are also being enjoyed by adults. Both are available in Island bookshops.
Mal Butler