Jeanne Willis

27/05/2023 - I’m delighted to announce that my short novel, ‘Jacko’ ( Andersen Press) is now available in all the usual places you buy books from.  It’s a true story and at first, it  was just going to follow the adventures of a baby jackdaw rescued by my friend, Mick when he was a boy in the 50s –  I was certain Jacko’s antics were fascinating, funny and endearing enough to make a charming story, but over tea, Mick casually mentioned that his dad, Bill had been a member of the Caterpillar Club, saved by a parachute when his plane was shot down in WW2, only to be captured by Nazis. Suddenly, I had two flight paths to navigate, Jacko’s and Bill’s and I began to question what flying and freedom really meant to certain birds and men. The book is supposed to be for 9-11 year olds but plenty of adults have enjoyed it too apparently, including the lovely lady reporter on ITV News who interviewed me and Mick at London Zoo, where he used to be Head Keeper of Apes and looked after Guy the Gorilla.  I’m so jealous, I wish I’d been Head Keeper of Apes but they never gave it as an option on Careers Day at my school. I’ll put it on on my bucket list. Meanwhile,  I hope you enjoy reading Jacko as much as I enjoyed writing it.