Mansfield teacher's dinosaur book helps kids understand Covid vaccine

Jade Topliss, who writes under her maiden name of Jade Millington, has released ‘Tri-Pfizer-Tops’, which explains what a vaccine is and how it can protect us from coronavirus and lead us out of lockdown.

It follows her hugely successful first book, ‘The Coronasaurus Rex’, which won acclaim from all over the world after it was marketed online a year ago.

"Because it was available for free initially on my Instagram account, it attracted interest from teachers keen to use it in schools,” said Jade, 32, who teaches part-time at Holly Primary School in Forest Town.

"I had messages from as far afield as Dubai, Australia and New Zealand. This second book is having more of an impact locally."

‘Tri-Pfizer-Tops’ tells the story of Billy who is back at school but is still tied down and frustrated by Covid restrictions.

So he draws Tri-Pfizer-Tops, a dinosaur so huge and mighty that he will destroy fellow dinosaur, Coronasaurus.

Jade added: "I am passionate about keeping children informed about the pandemic to try and prevent any worries or anxieties emerging.

"I hope my books have informed children in a light-hearted and jovial manner, enabling conversations to emerge with parents or teachers.

“They put a fun-spin on everything and are written in a positive, child-friendly way.”

Jade, who lives in Ravenshead, wrote ’The Coronasaurus Rex’ while she was pregnant with son, Walter, who is now seven months old.

After giving birth last September, she decided to donate copies of it to the children’s ward at King’s Mill Hospital in Sutton to thank staff.

She said: “It was a traumatic birth. I was 43 weeks, induced and in labour for two days.

"It all ended in surgery, but the care I received before, during and after labour was simply amazing.”

Jade, whose husband Matthew, 39, is a mechanic and runs Larch Farm Garage in Ravenshead, is keen to pursue a writing career, alongside her teaching.

"It is something I enjoy doing and would like to continue – if I can find the time while bringing up Walter!” she said.

"When Covid is over, I would like to do some ‘readaloud’ sessions in book shops, cafes and coffee shops.”

The first book Jade wrote, about two years ago, was published in February. It is called ‘Leo The Lion Lost His Roar’, which is for four-to-eight-year-olds and focuses on friendships.

"I like to write children’s books that have a moral to the story,” said Jade, who has been a primary school teacher for six years.

"This one is about being courageous and letting the strengths in you shine through.”

You can follow Jade and full details of her books through her Instagram account, miss_millington.

All three of her books are available in paperback on Amazon, priced £7.99 each, and they have received five-star reviews from customers.

Praise dished out by reviewers includes “fantastic”, “beautifully written”, “wonderful”, “a great buy”, and “my son’s new favourite book”.