Book Nook - The Flyer

“The Flyer” (story by Peter Darling told with illustrations from co-author Eileen Pusey) is a delightful book for 4-7 year olds, which also has the power to warm the heart of readers of all ages.

“The Flyer” is the culmination of a dream for this creative family team to work together, with both parties bringing professional and life experience to their literary project. Eileen has spent 45 years in education, working with young children, teaching and lecturing, and Peter has a professional career to draw on, and a happy family life which is reflected in this beautifully tender children’s tale, which will be enjoyed by readers of any age.

The cousins’ vision is that this positive and heartwarming story brings happiness to young readers, while also gently modelling that there are ways for young children to step forward into their own lives with confidence,  resilience and kindness.

Synopsis:
“The Flyer” is a short story about a young boy, Thomas who is 7. Thomas is shy and a bit self-conscious and finds it hard to make friends. So, he and his Nan come up with an idea - Thomas can be The Flyer. His Dad makes some ramps, and his Nan makes him a flying suit. He enters the school talent show where he will introduce The Flyer to the whole school.

In the story we get to know Thomas and his family. Although his mother and father are no longer together, Thomas still has a healthy relationship with his father who he sees as a hero. We also learn of his closeness to his Nan and a little of his shyness - which probably affects many children these days.

Thomas is brave - not only because he embarks on an attempt to fly - but, more importantly, because he is willing to take a risk in front of the whole school – the themes that the story touches upon are family, friendship, courage, kindness…and it also includes just a smidgeon of romance.

The illustrations are key. They are simple but at the same time colourful and compelling to a young enquiring mind.

And at the end, who would not want to be friends with someone like Thomas?

 

“’The Flyer’ grew from a desire to create a positive, inspiring and happy story, that conveys to young children how they can enjoy their lives,” says author Peter Darling.

 

“I also wanted to work with my cousin Eileen who is a very talented illustrator and educator,” he explains.

 

Although “The Flyer” is the cousins’ first collaboration, Peter has published before: “I wrote my first novel some ten years ago now. The manuscript sat on the shelf for a few years before it was picked up and published by a company in Australia in 2022. I have since written a second and third novel with the same characters.

“The plan is, if the publishers stick with me, to have a five-book series with these characters. That feels about right. Surely enough excitement for the same group of people. Five books will give them all sufficient time to grow and prosper - or otherwise!” he jokes.

“After that, well who knows, while I enjoy writing I might just keep going!”

 

And keep going he has, to publish “The Flyer” with Eileen, a testament to family relationships that is reflected not just in the cousins’ collaboration, but the gentle and kindly family support illustrated in their first book together.

 

“The Flyer” is recommended for four to seven year olds, and available now – click here to purchase: https://tinyurl.com/yepkt5rw

 

About the Authors:

Writer Peter Darling lives in Aylesbury, which sits about 30 miles to the northwest of London. He is married to Caroline, and they have two children, Peter thrives on popular culture – music, TV, books, sport and cinema and he says, “for his sins” has been an ardent fan of Chelsea Football Club for over 50 year “through the thin and thick and hopefully, not, thin again.” Peter’s love of football is reflected in “The Flyer”.

Illustrator Eileen Pusey studied at Furzedown Teacher Training College where she won the John Saville Award for Art. She has worked in education in a wide variety of schools through the UK in different capacities, ranging from working as a reception teacher to covering all primary ages, as well as being an Associate Tutor of Rolle College (part of the University of Plymouth). Eileen absolutely loved her job – she must have, as she did it for over 45 years!