“I wanted to show children that they should be open to those differences and celebrate them. It’s what makes us unique and special.” – Author Peter A. Johnson talks about ‘Bog: The Ogre In The Cellar’

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“Key Stage 1 classes certainly understood Bog!”

WHAT: “Bog is an ogre who has been alone for years. Jacob is a schoolboy who has heard stories about a mysterious creature that lives down in the school cellar. The rumours have been told for years. But are they true? No one has ever been brave enough to find out, that is until now.

Take a walk deep into the school cellar with Jacob, a brave little schoolboy, as he comes face to face with what all other children have feared the most.

Peter A. Johnson and illustrator Faizal Razalli have teamed up to create a rich, vibrant and heart-warming story. This rhyming storybook is a must for every child in love with picture stories and for those who have a curious mind, just like Jacob.

The story opens up conversations parents can have with young, tiny minds about inclusion. Every page in this book has been lovingly created to draw the attention of young readers. Each detail is something to be admired. If you love books created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, you will enjoy this read.”

WHO: “Peter A. Johnson is a children’s author born and bred in Greater Manchester. He has been a primary school teacher for 10 years and has taught various age groups during his career. At Salford University, Peter studied Performing Arts and Media Production and has always had a creative flair. This creativity feeds into the stories that he writes.”

MORE? Here!

Why ‘Bog’?

Bog is a character anyone can relate to. At some point in our lives, we have all felt different from others or felt like an outsider, even if only for a short time. Bog was forgotten and lonely through no fault of his own. I wanted to write about a character that was an outsider but throughout the story, gradually reveal to the reader, and the lead character Jacob, that although we may all have our differences, deep down we all have something loveable inside us. I wanted to show children that they should be open to those differences and celebrate them. It’s what makes us unique and special. This book shows children that it’s ok to be different like Bog and opens up conversations about inclusion.

When and how did you first ‘meet’ Bog?

Whilst I was teaching at school, I read out a short story to the class that I had written, just to support the lesson. I had no intention of writing a ‘story’, however, after I had finished the teaching, I mentioned to the class that I’d written the story. The children were surprised as they thought it was something I had read from another author. I knew in that moment I needed to start to share my stories to a wider audience. I went home and pieced together all the good parts of a story that I loved as a kid. A damp cellar, a scary monster hidden away in the darkness, and a curious boy in search of the truth. Before I knew it, Bog was created.

What kind of young readers will also want to meet Bog?

The book really works well for ages 4-7. Being a teacher, I was fortunate enough to be able to read it to lots of children of different ages and ask them for their opinions. It appeared that the same year groups kept coming back time and time again with such positive feedback and wanting to know more. Key Stage 1 classes certainly understood Bog!

What’s the one thing you know now that you wish you’d known at the start of the
process?

As a debut author, the process was a steep learning curve. I am proud with how I handled it all. All the preparation I did paid off. I sold over 450 books in the first week, and out of 33 million books currently available on Amazon, mine reached 700 in the world, which is something I never expected. When I think about it now though, I wish I would have given myself a little more time from starting the book to its release. I put unnecessary pressure on myself. The closing stages, prior to release, were stressful to say the least. Waiting in hope that the book would arrive from the printers in time for release day was a nerve-wracking time, but when they arrived I wasn’t disappointed. I am so proud with how the book has turned out.

What’s next for Bog and you?

Bog the ogre is set to become a series and the sequel, “Bog the Ogre Goes to School”, is currently being illustrated. The next book focuses on Bog struggling to find what he’s good at and his journey to finding his special talent.

In the meantime, I have another book due for release soon called “The Manchester Bee”. There are no fictional stories out there about the iconic Manchester Bee symbol and this is a story that celebrates everything we love about this region. The culture, the music, the people, and places. There are lots of references in there for parents and beautiful artwork for young eyes. There has been quite a buzz in anticipation of the story being released as it is an original idea about a much-loved icon.

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