Ethan the Incredible by Jacqui Simpson

On one level the rollicking rhyme tells of how Ethan the Brave (on his green scooter) saves the Kingdom of Forests from an invasion of dragons, after the king and his knights failed despite their best efforts. Next he rescues a princess – and then finds:

“But one become two and continued to double
It seemed that princesses were often in trouble.
No problem for Ethan, he soon had them sorted.
Rescued, returned, all their kidnappers thwarted.”

Eventually young Ethan wants more adventure, more action, and heads off to “find more battles to fight” and roars off into the future. Then you read the final page – and discover that this story is a metaphor for a life cut short, the life of a real 10-year-old boy called Ethan who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in September 2011 and died 11 months later. You’ll then read the book again in a completely different light.

Finally, this is a rare thing, a self-published book that defies the usual stereotypes and pitfalls that can define self-publishing. Jacqui worked with a renowned London-based top international book designer, Vida Kelly, and engaged Philip Webb as her illustrator. It’s been produced using top quality paper and binding. The text demands to be read out loud. To order, unless your local bookshop has obtained copies, here’s Jacqui’s email and website addresses.

Image by Teresa Robinson on Flickr.