A delightful new children’s book dedicated to NHS staff, carers and frontline workers and those who have lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic is being released with all proceeds going to support the Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal.

Leicester author Joe Nixon has written ‘The Fearless Fox & Daring Deer’, a rhyming picture book illustrated by Nottingham-based Ami-Lou Harrison, after his own personal experiences with the coronavirus.

Inspired by the events of lockdown which saw towns and villages across the nation fall quiet, the book invites children to enjoy the adventures of woodland creatures as they play human games in an empty town.

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All proceeds from the book will support a new charity partnership between the Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal and BrightSparks Arts in Mental Health. Together, the two charities aim to help give Leicester a new, dedicated children’s hospital where all children’s services will be located under one roof at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Reflecting the rainbow posters draw by children that have been seen in windows across the country, The Fearless Fox & Daring Deer features a rainbow inspired song and a rainbow coloured scarf offered by a small boy to a wild fox.

Author Joe Nixon says the book’s message is one of hope during times of crisis:

“As they sing a message of hope for a better future, they dare to imagine a world where humans and animals can live together in harmony,” says Joe.

“I was inspired to write a story for my young niece and nephews, who were finding it difficult to understand why they’ve been trapped at home during lockdown. The book has entertained them and given them hope for a better world when the crisis is over.”

The Fearless Fox & Daring Deer is published by WORD!, a poetry organisation uniquely co-produced by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust., the rhyming picture book invites children to enjoy the adventures of woodland creatures as they play human games in an empty town.

For more information and to order, visit fearlessfox.co.uk.