We’re delighted to announce that Year 5 Mia has just (self-)published her first book Booboo Can Do Anything… Can You?

Aimed at 4-6 year olds, it is an adventure story about Booboo (the Bear) and his Grandpa that will entertain children, whilst helping them with key milestones, such as riding a bike and crossing the road safely.  Mia wrote the text and did the illustrations, too. Each chapter has a different adventure: in one, Booboo learns how to ride a bike, in another how to cook; in one, how to cross the road, in another how to cook. The stories are both fun and educational and teach children practical skills. Key to Booboo’s success is his Grandpa, Grandpa Booboo, who is a constant presence in each adventure and a source of encouragement and wisdom. The chapters are bite-size, language is accessible for children to understand and the illustrations and colourful and also done by Mia, herself. This book will engage children because it is about key life experiences told from the authentic point of view of a child who has recently been through them. They will fall in love with Booboo and be entertained by his adventures.

We asked Mia all about Booboo:

How did you come up with the idea for the book? What inspired you?

Mia: Well, we were first in Cornwall when I came up with the idea to write a book about my favourite teddy bear. I think drawing lots of illustrations of Booboo inspired me to write a book about him and his adventures that he’s been through with me.

Did your Year 5 class teacher Miss Tidey encourage you or help you?

Mia: In class we did lots of creative writing and finding tales so, yes, I think Miss Tidey has inspired me to write a book.

Is Booboo based on a real teddy bear?

Mia: Yes, actually he is, without question, my favourite teddy bear. (see photo!)

What is the most important message you would like the readers to get from the book?

Mia: That if you keep trying you will be able to achieve anything.  Also, don’t be scared to ask for help – like Booboo does from Grandpa Booboo. 

What do your friends think? 

Mia: My friends are very proud of me and like my book, some of them also call me an author!

Do you enjoy writing stories – what else do you write about?

Mia: Yes, I really enjoy writing stories and I also like using my imagination and making it run wild. I also quite enjoy writing adventure stories and spooky stories, as well.

What was the hardest part – the writing or the drawing?

Mia: Well, I think the hardest part about the writing was making sure I hadn’t spelled anything wrong or missed some punctuation.  I also had to consider making the language simple enough for young readers, like my cousin, Eloise.

Do you make up stories for your brother?

Mia: Yes, because in the half term we made a den and we made up scary stories together.

Will you be writing another story about Booboo?

Mia: I am not sure maybe I have a few tricks up my sleeve to start a new one!  

We will be watching out for further adventures of Booboo – is there anything he or Mia can’t do?

You can read a preview of Mia’s book below and buy it on Amazon here.