“The Narzat” is an exciting new children’s book, due to be released nationally on 9th May. Set in the fantastical Jumble Jungle Wood, and following a group of unforgettable characters, the story has received rave reviews already.
Described as ‘a kooky comic debut’ (the Bookseller), that ‘guarantees to captivate readers of all ages’ (Scott Evans, the Reader Teacher), ‘the Narzat’ has been authored by primary school headteacher, Luke Marchant.
Ahead of the book launch, Luke tells us more about the story behind the story—and how he can’t wait to share the tale more widely.
This truly has been an incredible adventure—but what makes an adventure? And where did this one start?
In my first year of primary teaching, I was looking for a book set in a jungle. I wanted something fun and funny, that the pupils would love to read. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of ‘the Narzat’, and created the wild and wacky world of the Jumble Jungle Wood. I wrote an opening couple of chapters for the class—and they loved the performance! Sadly, it stayed at only a few chapters, and ended up being filed in the back of my mind for several years.
It was these few years later that I was walking with my own son—then just a toddler—on one of those incredibly muddy and mucky walks where your child insists on jumping in every possible puddle. I took one look at him, trying to tell where the mud ended and the child began, and thought: THAT’S the Narzat!” And so the story started taking shape.
Then Lockdown hit.
As we were all shut-in and shut-away during the pandemic, I found a glimmer of hope in writing a story for my family. I would write a chapter in the evenings and read it to them—if our own world had got smaller, at least I could build them a new one to enjoy.
It was fantastic seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter as they heard about the happy heroes and vile villains found in the pages of the book. I loved taking inspiration from the world around me—Pertinax the grumpy gorilla chef is inspired by our favourite animal from Paignton Zoo, and the Narzat himself bears more than a passing resemblance to my son!
Was that the start of the adventure?
Perhaps it was just before my second son was born, and I decided to send the book off again to publishers—I wanted him to see his father taking chances and pursuing dreams. On the day he was born, I was contacted by the editor-in-chief from ‘Everything With Words’, and the journey continued!
Since then it’s been a whirlwind—edits and redrafts, reviews and sharing! A huge moment for me was seeing the amazing illustrations from Rory Walker that leap off the page. He has truly brought characters such as the lethal Ravenoserous and the courageous Looky Lizard to life!
And now, just before the launch, an early copy of the book has arrived in my hands.
I’ve started reading it to my own Narzat—now a little older than before, but possibly less muddy. And that’s when the answer to my question has become clear.
The adventure starts with children reading the book.
You see, a story is just ink and ideas—a map waiting for someone to follow it. It becomes an adventure when you start reading it.
What makes an adventure?
You do. And I do so dearly hope you enjoy joining me in this one.
“The Narzat” is published by Everything With Words and is available to order through Waterstones, Amazon and other book retailers nationally. The book launch takes place at Paignton Library at 2pm on May 11th, and you can pre-order a book for the event through First Draft Devon at hello@firstdraftbooks.co.uk.
https://www.everythingwithwords.com/books/the-narzat/
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