A grandfather from Cornwall, who started working in his own father’s fruit and veg shop as a teenager, has scooped a World’s Best Award from Gourmand World Cookbooks for his first children’s book.
James Hopson from the Lizard, won the award for his book ‘Captain Satsuma has Landed’ which was entered in the self-publishing category after he was inspired to write it by his granddaughter. With entrants from 175 countries the Gourmand Awards have been running for over 25 years and recognise the best food related books globally.
Described as the ‘Oscars of Food Awards,’ the presentation ceremony takes place in Paris in November this year. The book is now available to buy at www.captainsatsuma.co.uk.
James’s inspiration to create a series of fun characters captured in his book stemmed from his granddaughter placing a satsuma on the table in front of him whilst they were doing some drawing together.
“My granddaughter loves having fun,” said James. “She soon became intrigued by my sketch and asked who it was? Captain Satsuma I replied, proud of the fact I’d not only designed him, but had thought of a name too.”
“Never heard of him,” was his granddaughter’s reply.
Having been shot down in flames, James set about writing a story about Captain Satsuma especially for his granddaughter. It was whilst doing this that he decided to turn the idea into a fun/adventure book for all young children.
The brightly illustrated book follows the adventures of lead character Captain Satsuma, as he and his team set out in search of ‘Evil Spud Mouldy.’ The mission takes them to Gnome Island where Evil Spud Mouldy has formed an alliance with the ruthless ‘Count Rubbish.’
James is thrilled that the book which owes so much to his granddaughter’s influence has now picked up an international award.
“To be recognised this way is truly amazing,” said James. “Whilst the book was created for my granddaughter, I started getting some lovely feedback that it was also helping parents with a real problem they face – getting children to embrace their 5 a day. As well as being fun, I wanted to encourage children through the book, to think about what they were eating, and to hopefully guide them to make healthy choices. Winning the award for the UK is something I’m very proud of.”
Jenny Tschiesche BSc [Hons] Dip [ION] FdSc BANT Best Selling Author and Nutrition Workshop Facilitator said of James book, “I’ve been reading this fantastic book designed for people far younger than me but no less fun for us adults too! It is a fantastic bedtime storybook and it is designed to encourage children to have a balanced diet, and to respect nature and their environment.”
For James working with fruit and vegetables is a step back to his roots. His father was a greengrocer for over 20 years, and James’s introduction to work life began in his dads shop when he was aged 13. James has even created a character based on his dad in his book.
Freddie Elf is also a shopkeeper who Captain Satsuma and the team come to the rescue of.
James is now fully focused on his next book.
“I’ve compiled rough drafts for a further five stories,” he said. “There’s lots of twists and turns and excitement to come yet, as we find out about Captain Satsuma’s adventures. And with recent data pointing out that our eating habits are of great concern, I know the importance of trying to educate children about healthy benefits is more vital than ever.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: James Hopson, Captain Satsuma Limited. www.captainsatsuma.co.uk
Mobile: 07581169160 Home 01326290933 Email: hello@captainsatsuma.co.uk
Facebook: @CaptainSatsumaHasLanded Twitter: @CaptainSatsuma Instagram: @captainsatsuma
