Young Malton author Jacob, 8, donating all proceeds from book sales to charity

Jacob Carnes, 8, is the author of Alfie’s Secret Dragon.

He used the writing experience as a way to connect his family during a challenging time and to raise money for a good cause when the coronavirus pandemic meant he couldn’t go to school.

The book tells the story of a young boy called Alfie who wakes up one night to discover a dragon asleep under his bed.

The book follows the pair on a series of adventures, from taking the dragon called Lightning to school, to an accident in the playground and then going on the ride of a lifetime on the dragon’s back.

Set in Malton, it features some of the town’s familiar places and faces including the local vicar.

The youngster also drafted in help from his family, including both sets of grandparents, to help write some of the chapters. All the money raised from sales will go to NHS charities and Weaverthorpe Primary School.

Jacob said: “I am really pleased with the book and can’t wait for my friends to read it. Lockdown was a difficult time because school was closed and I couldn’t see my friends. I wanted something to do but I also wanted to do something to raise money for charity.”

Alfie’s Secret Dragon (ISBN-13: 979-8691434334 is available at tinyurl.com/y658p9md or tinyurl.com/yyp5etkq (Kindle edition).