From racehorses to children's books, Chipping Norton author invites families to a sniffer-dog book launch

Charlie Brooks has just published Sammy and the Extra Hot Chili Powder, the first in a new ‘family’ of children’s comedy adventure books.

The book – published by HarperCollins in the same stable as David Walliams’ popular books – follows his previous Holly Hopkinson trilogy, written for eight to 12-year-olds.

Sammy is a clever, loveable setter-poo (a cross between a setter and a poodle) who has an extraordinary scenting ability. She is a huge success as a sniffer dog – until she loses her sense of smell.

With the help of her best friend, Beanie, Sammy sets out to recover her sense of smell – and to stop a plot to steal a precious diamond.

Along the way, Brooks creates very funny and entertaining scenarios which will have children giggling – and parents wondering about the truly extraordinary sense of smell some dogs have.

Sammy and the Extra Strong Chili Powder is written for children aged seven upwards. Brooks wrote it during the Covid lockdowns, getting up to start writing at 4am at his farm outside Chipping Norton.

"I got the idea from the news that dogs can be trained to sniff out some illnesses like cancer, and Covid was one of them. They have an incredibly developed sense of smell. That, combined with the lovely character of our setter-poo, Mildred, gave me the basis for the book,” he said.

"I like to get up at four o'clock in the morning if I'm going through a writing period. I just sit at my desk, talk to my writing spirits and crack on.

"It takes a long time for books to go through the publishing system. The artist Steve May had a copy of my manuscript and has done some fantastic illustrations.”

The launch of the book ties in with an invitation to families to enjoy an afternoon at the family farm.

"It’s going to be a fun afternoon with a sniffer dog display and a scavenger hunt based on themes from the book. There will be fun rides, family games, a prize-giving ceremony and a recreation of Mrs Brown’s cafe. There will be light bites including Jammie Dodgers and tea to enjoy – Jammie Dodgers play a part in the book,” said Brooks.

The event is ticket-only – to book see here. Emma Kennedy, who runs The Branch in Chippy will be at the event. The charity helps break down barriers for children and families in Chipping Norton who are experiencing poverty, rural isolation, domestic abuse, loneliness, debt, homelessness and poor mental health.

Brooks described it as an ‘amazing’ charity based in the centre of Chipping Norton, providing social support services that are not available through official sources in the town.

Books will be available to buy at the event, supplied by Jaffe and Neale bookshop. Visitors can meet the author and have books signed. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Bring wellies and wet weather gear in case of rain.