A first-time Cornish author, who decided to write a children’s adventure book for his granddaughter, is in the running to receive an international accolade after his book was shortlisted for the 2021 Gourmand World Cookbook Award.
James Hopson, who lives in Lizard Village, wrote and self-published his children’s adventure book ‘Captain Satsuma has Landed’ in May last year, after being inspired by his young granddaughter when she placed a satsuma in front of him, while they were drawing together.
“That day my life changed forever” said Hopson, who had no previous experience as an author.
The book follows the adventures of lead character Captain Satsuma, as he and his team set of in search of ‘Evil Spud Mouldy.’ Their mission takes them to Gnome Island where Evil Spud Mouldy has formed an alliance with the ruthless ‘Count Rubbish.’
In January, the book was chosen as a ‘Best in the UK’ title by Gourmand World Cookbooks and was subsequently shortlisted to be a finalist for a ‘Best in the World Award,’ where it will be up against three other entries from around the globe in the ‘Self-Publishing’ category at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.
The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards have been running for 25 years, with the final taking place in Paris this June. Previous Gourmand award winners include Jamie Oliver, Michel Roux, and Paul Hollywood.
Hopson added: “For my book to be shortlisted from books produced not only in the UK but from all over the World, is something I’m very proud of. Not only is the story designed to be fun for kids and those reading the story with them, I also wanted to encourage children and families to think about what they eat and to embrace a healthy lifestyle.
“When writing Captain Satsuma has Landed, I set out to to help solve a very real problem faced by a number of parents across the UK, getting their children to embrace their five- a-day. To get this level of recognition for a book I wrote and published myself is truly amazing.”
