Local Author Mark Saxby Publishes Debut Children's Adventure Novel
Mark Saxby, the founder of social media consultancy Status Social and the charity Positive Social, has officially released his debut book titled The Last Chocolate Bar in the World. This exciting adventure story is specifically crafted for readers aged 7 to 11, offering a thrilling narrative that explores themes of courage and self-discovery.
A High-Stakes Mission in a Chocolate-Free World
The plot follows a nervous young boy named Armitage who embarks on a critical mission in a world where an evil tyrant has destroyed all cocoa beans. Together with his friend Ruby, Armitage must locate a mysterious, final bar of chocolate. Throughout their journey, they encounter strange characters and face dangerous obstacles, with Armitage ultimately uncovering his own hidden bravery.
Nineteen Years in the Making
The initial inspiration for the book struck Mark nineteen years ago during a holiday in Brittany, France. Over the subsequent years, the story gradually evolved as he wrote in various local cafés and community spaces across the region. "I wrote parts of the book on and off over the years in places like Littleover Methodist Church café, Harrison’s Hub at Pride Park Stadium, Swarkestone Nursery and, more recently, in McDonald’s in Ilkeston," Mark explained. He believes that stories often require time to develop, and this particular tale has certainly benefited from that extended gestation period.
From Journalism to Children's Literature
While this marks his first novel for children, Mark is no stranger to storytelling. He previously worked as a journalist for the BBC and ITV, honing his narrative skills. Additionally, he is the current East Midlands Professional Speaker of the Year, utilizing his storytelling expertise to assist organisations in communicating more effectively. At its core, Mark describes the book as an exploration of true bravery. "Armitage begins the story relying on others, but step by step he learns that bravery isn’t about being fearless – it’s about discovering you’re capable of more than you thought," he stated.
Encouraging Feedback and Future Plans
The author, who resides in Ockbrook with his wife and three children, has already received positive feedback from both parents and young readers. Mark hopes the book will inspire children to embrace the joy of imagination and dedicate more time away from social media and smartphones. He is now eager to visit local schools to engage with pupils about creativity and demonstrate how a simple idea can eventually transform into a completed book.
Availability and Purchase Details
The Last Chocolate Bar in the World is currently available for purchase on Amazon in both paperback and eBook formats, making it accessible to a wide audience of young readers and their families.
