Shirebrook schoolboy's book is out of this world

The seven-year-old is obsessed with space, so decided to use his time in lockdown to write and illustrate a book about Alan the alien, and asked for people to make a donation to his school to purchase a copy.

The football-mad youngster who plays for Shirebrook Rangers FC has sold 50 copies and raised £150 for his school, Langwith Bassett Junior Academy.

His parents, Ashley and Marianna Collier helped him get the book printed and advertised it for him on social media.

Ashley explains: “He is obsessed with space – he’s been saying he wants to work for NASA since he was five, so it made sense his book had an alien theme.

“He said he wanted people to pay whatever they wanted for their copy, but he only expected family to buy it.

“We’ve had lots of messages saying how great the book is – we are so proud.”

The insightful storyline echoes the current situation we find ourselves in with the coronavirus pandemic.

Alan the alien visits Earth and finds that humans are too preoccupied to appreciate the beauty of nature.

A mystery virus then descends on the planet, which forces people to appreciate what they already have.

Sarah Bacon, principal of Langwith Bassett said: “We couldn’t be more proud of Jacob.

“He has always loved books and it’s great that he’s written such a lovely story for his friends and our community.”

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