Milton Keynes dad writes book for children about school-time adventures
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A city-based dad has taken his writing in a fun new direction with the release of his first children’s book – ‘Dad’s School Time Adventures’.
Gareth Ellis started the book as a fun project for his two children to answer their daily question of ‘what did you get up to today?”
He describes how he done more than just hoovering up and cleaning the toilet, telling them he’s battled toilet goblins and an army of dust bunnies.
As a busy working dad and parent, Gareth also looks to challenge the stigma of men being the primary carers at home, juggling work and family life.
The book was officially launched online on Amazon last month, and follows on from the success of Gareth’s book, a self-help title for parents: ‘Dad’s the Word: Tips and Tales From a Stay-at-Home Parent’, which was released just over a year ago.
Gareth said: “I pick the kids up most days and on our walk home we always talk about our days. I love hearing about what they’ve been up to, but when they ask me I’d usually just say ‘oh, I just worked, and did some tidying, boring stuff.
“Dad’s School Time Adventures was a way of showing them a slightly different version of my day where I wildly exaggerate my adventures but still show them that I’ve been washing clothes and getting on with some work.
"It’s a chance for parents to connect with their children and show a funnier side to those after-school chats, as well as those chats at the end of the day.”
Gareth appeared at the Milton Keynes Indie Book Fair recently and said it was fascinating to talk to so many parents about both books.
“I will always love Dad’s the Word as it will always be my first book, but this children’s book is so captivating for audiences of all ages. It’s great for children to see the fun pictures and it’s nice for parents to connect with their children while reading a book.
“So many parents wanted to talk about their own experiences of parenting and that was amazing for me, because it allowed me to connect with them, plus it’s a subject I never get bored of.”
Both books are now available to buy online here.
Gareth is a 40-year-old, happily married to Jessica and dad of two children. He lives and works in Milton Keynes and grew up in the area. He has been writing professionally for 19 years, as a former MK Citizen journalist and later a copywriter but this is his first foray into children’s book writing and self-publishing.
He has written the blog ‘Dad’s the Word’ since 2018, when he and Jessica found out they were having their first child. He likesto write blogs and reviews on places to visit with the children, as well as on helpful topics related to parenting.
Gareth spent 18 months as a stay-at-home parent between March 2021 and September 2022, and continues to run his copywriting business, Cloud Nine Writing, while also being the primary parent in his his household.