Salisbury novelist releases new children’s book in time for Christmas

Monday, 11 November 2024 05:50

Julian Noyce’s latest children’s book ‘Oliver’s Dream Ticket’ takes inspiration from watching his son play football for Salisbury Thunder under 9s.

“The book’s main character, Oliver, has big dreams of being a footballer and scoring a winning goal in the Premiership,” said Julian. “His dad emails the local football team, and his journey begins.”

The book is written in two halves, just like a football match. The first half focuses on Oliver’s football training as he settles into his new team, Salisbury Thunder.

In the second half, which Julian says was inspired by the film ‘Rocky’, the Football Association offer an end-of-season exhibition match for any team to play against ‘the greatest team in the country, if not the entire world, Tischester United’.

All 40,000+ team names go into a computer and Oliver’s team, Salisbury Thunder, are selected to play Tischester at Wembley Stadium.

Oliver’s Dream Ticket is 174 pages long and is written for children aged 6 - 9. Julian said: “The book is beautifully illustrated by artist Julie Budworth, who did the covers for my two other children's books, The Adventures of Stella Earwax and More Adventures of Stella Earwax and Friends.

“My wife Natalie also did some of the illustrations, including the referees and small footballs.”

The last part of the book, entitled ‘Extra Time’, includes profiles of the real-life Salisbury Thunder players, plus some inspirational quotes from famous footballing legends.

“Oliver’s Dream Ticket is an inspirational story that teaches children about teamwork and what happens when you work hard and dream big,” said Julian. “It’s the perfect stocking filler for your kids, grandchildren, nieces or nephews this Christmas!” he added.

Oliver’s Dream Ticket costs £7.99 and is available to purchase in paperback from Amazon here.

More from Local News

The Salisbury Great Toy Appeal Launched for 2024

A toy appeal has been launched in Salisbury with the aim of providing a Christmas present for children from families who might otherwise go without this Christmas.
Investigation launched after suspected hare coursers ram farmers near Amesbury

Wiltshire Police are investigating an incident of criminal damage which took place at a farm in Wilsford at around 12.20am on Sunday (10th November).
Expert from The Repair Shop helps to preserve altar frontals at Salisbury Cathedral

A conservator from BBC TV’s The Repair Shop has been working at Salisbury Cathedral to help conserve precious altar frontals.
'Spot the signs' campaign to raise awareness of child criminal exploitation launched

Young people, their families and friends are being urged to ‘Spot the Signs’ of child criminal exploitation in a new campaign being launched by Wiltshire Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Families with pre-schoolers encouraged to visit their local library

Wiltshire Council is encouraging families with pre-schoolers to visit their local library and join in with a wide range of events to support pre-schoolers’ social skills and learning including baby days, story sharers and rhymetime sessions.
Pickup stolen after tattoo shop break-in

Following a break-in at a Tattoo shop, a pick-up truck was stolen from Crane Street in Salisbury.
Wiltshire Council evicts Downton man following dumping and burning of waste

Following a long-running case of anti-social behaviour, Wiltshire Council has successfully evicted a Downton man from a council-owned Gypsy and Traveller site.
Longleat's Festival of Light Features Record-Breaking Lantern

The heaviest lantern in the history of Longleat’s Festival of Light has been unveiled at the Wiltshire estate.