Derry man writes and illustrates children’s book about lockdown

Anthony Cooley, who lives in Belfast where he works as a personal trainer, has always loved illustrating and has put his skills to use to raise funds for charity.

“I am aware that a lot of charities aren’t receiving their normal level of donations at the minute and that Childline are dealing with a massive amount of calls at the moment.

“I want to do something to try and make a difference. I am at home at the minute and not working, as all the gyms have closed, so I decided I would write and illustrate a children’s book about lockdown.

“I have loads of nieces and nephews and they are all going out of their minds at the minute being trapped indoors and unable to see their friends or go to school.”

Anthony’s nieces and nephews provided him with the inspiration to write the ‘A World Outside My Window.” The book tells the story of Charlie who is stuck at home during lockdown and feeling sad. He misses his friends, his grandparents and going to school and escapes the confinement in his home thanks to his imagination.

Anthony has written and illustrated a children’s book before, entitled ‘Who Lives On The Moon’, and it took him over nine months.

This book however took him just over a week and a half to complete.

“I am always working away at something and art is my biggest passion. I love my day job but art is always something I have done growing up and I studied it at university. I always keep it up.

“I do a lot of personal projects for people, like illustrations or wedding invitations, but it is such a hard industry to break into.”

Anthony would love to secured a publishing deal to allow him to write and illustrate more children’s books.

“Right now working on ‘A World Outside My Window’ has given me something to sink my teeth into. It have given me some structure, as I can’t sit about doing nothing. I had to find something for myself to do.

“I would love to be able to get a publishing deal to continue to write more. This book is a digital copy because I wanted as much money to go to Childline as possible.”

To get a copy of ‘A World Outside My Window’ visit www.gofundme.com/f/childrens-book-for-kids-in-lockdownEveryone who donates at least £5 will receive a digital edition of the book.