"Who ate my roof?" book launched

A book launch of giant proportions for "Who ate my roof?"

Finally the hard work of St James's school children is coming to fruition and their ingenious and ticklish children's story "Who ate my roof?" has been published on Monday 22 July. The book was launched at school with a book reading to a captivated audience of authors and illustrators, and will be followed up by a book signing at the Audlem Transport Festival on Sunday 28th July – St James's day!

It's a thundering tale of bad smells and trickery featuring James the red-headed, pink pyjama wearing football fan, who is the victim of a midnight burglary when the roof of his house is stolen. Chief suspect is his long-time enemy and next-door neighbour, Bob "Big Bottom" who smells like a dustbin.

James and best friend Bella investigate, and what they uncover is a giant surprise.

Every class in school has contributed ideas, words and illustrations through creative workshops with a team of volunteers from St James's church in Audlem.

Extract from the book:

"Where's. My. Roooooooof?" James bellowed, making the clouds jump and the leaves on the trees quiver in surprise.
"Aha!" said Missy, "I knew something was wrong."
"James," drawled Jasper the cat, "You have bird poo on your chin."
"Never mind that. Where's my roof? It's Bob Big Bottom again isn't it? I can smell it from here."

In fact, now that there was no roof it was indeed possible to smell James's next-door neighbour Bob.

The project was inspired by the theft of lead from the Church's own roof, and "Who ate my roof?" is part of a major fundraising effort to pay for a new lead free alternative. All the profits from the sale of the book, priced £6.00, will go to the "Raise the Roof" fund.

Support for the book from local businesses has been superb. The book is being printed by Johnsons of Nantwich, and is on sale at Audlem Mill, Williams Newsagents, St James's Church and St Mary's Church in Nantwich.

Some of the authors will be available to sign copies of the book at the Audlem Mill during the Transport Festival (28th July 2013).

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