Chester the Magic Dog Inspires Hearts and Imagination
A Carlisle mother has transformed her love of poetry and family life into a charming children’s story that’s winning hearts even before its official release. Elinor Brockbank, 29, is set to publish her debut book, “Chester the Magic Dog,” at the end of this month, a story inspired by her young daughter and their beloved family pet.
Elinor’s journey into writing wasn’t something she planned. “I first wrote a poem in 2017 for my grandad, not long after he passed,” she recalls. “I soon started jotting rhymes down when they popped into my head.”
But it was the arrival of her baby girl, Seren, in January 2024 that truly reignited her creative spark. “I started writing poems about new motherhood,” she explained. “They were personal ones, mostly about how hard I was finding it in the beginning. When things got easier, I decided to write poems that were more fun, ones she could read back as she grows older.”
That’s when the idea for “Chester the Magic Dog” was born.
A Magical Adventure with a Heartfelt Message
The story follows Seren and her loyal dog, Chester, as they embark on a whimsical adventure around the world. Along the way, they discover that no matter where life takes them, what truly matters is who you’re with, not where you are.
“It’s a simple story with a big message — about friendship, love, and finding magic in everyday life,” Elinor said. “I wanted something my daughter could read and smile about, something she could hold onto as she grows up.”
The book will be published by Pegasus Publishers and is set for official release on Thursday, October 30. Pre-orders are already open on the publisher’s website, and the book will also be available at Waterstones and Amazon.
From Poems to Publication
For Elinor, the journey from personal poetry to a published author still feels surreal. “I never intended to send it to a publisher,” she admitted. “But some of my friends kept saying I should, so I thought — why not? When I signed the contract, it was a mix of excitement and anxiety.”
She credits her friends and family for their constant support. “I have the most amazing group around me. It was really my friends who pushed me to share my work, and now they’re just as thrilled as I am.”
Adding to the local excitement, Tiny Tootsies Baby and Toddler Play Group in Carlisle, which Elinor attends, is offering 50 per cent off one of its sessions when parents pre-order the book.
Looking Ahead
Elinor isn’t stopping here — she’s already written a festive sequel to Chester’s adventures and hopes to visit local schools and children’s groups to share her story.
To aspiring authors, she offers simple advice: “Have a little bit of faith in yourself. I didn’t believe I could actually publish a book, and now it’s on sale on Amazon and Waterstones. Sometimes you just need to take that leap.”
With “Chester the Magic Dog”, Elinor Brockbank proves that inspiration can come from the most personal moments — and that a little imagination, love, and courage can turn an ordinary idea into something truly magical.
