Family pet inspires Chelmsley man's children's book

A CHELMSLEY Wood chef has laid down his ladle and picked up a pen to produce his first children’s book.
Glynn Purnell has released The Magical Adventures of Whoops the Wonder Dog – with his own much-loved Jack Russell the inspiration for the title character.
The family pet had previously made local headlines after chasing off a gang of burglars six years ago. While the real-life Whoops was in good health when Glynn started the project 12 months ago, the dog sadly died in January this year.
“Thankfully it was very quick, with very little suffering,” he said. “Whoops started showing signs of illness and discomfort on the morning, and she died later that night from a tumour that we didn’t know about.
“By this time, I was four months into the creation of the book, and I knew I had to finish it. It took on even more importance for me and my whole family.”
The father-of-three said that his original intention had been to write something for his own family, but he eventually decided there was a wider audience.
“Most of us grow up with pets, and at some point, they inevitably pass away. This can have a big impact on children.
“I wanted to tell a story where Whoops had her own secret life when the family were all out at school and at work during the day.”
The project saw him team up with the Nuneaton-based illustrator Ashley King, who provided the pictures for the story.
There are also number of nods to Glynn’s culinary career in the tale; Whoops gets his magic powers from eating a curious blend of curry powder and baked beans.
Fans of the chef might be familiar with the fact that this was the dish that he would rustle up for younger siblings while his parents were at work.
The Magical Adventures of Whoops the Wonder Dog was released in paperback on September 7.
It is available from Amazon.com and can also be bought from Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Symphony Hall and Purnell’s Restaurant, on Cornwall Street.