A first-time Cornish author, who decided to write a children's book for his granddaughter, has been shortlisted for an international book award.

James Hopson, who wrote 'Captain Satsuma has Landed,' has been shortlisted for the 2021 Gourmand World Cookbook Award in the self-publishing category.

James, who hails from Lizard Village in Cornwall, wrote and self-published his children's adventure book last May after being inspired by his granddaughter while they were drawing together.

James said: "My granddaughter put a satsuma in front of me and I drew a little character, she asked who it was and I said 'oh that's Captain Satsuma.'

"She turned and looked at me in that way kids do and said 'never heard of him,' so there you are!"

"That day my life changed forever."

In January, James, who has had no previous experience as an author, had his book was chosen as the 'Best in the UK' by c and was subsequently shortlisted to be a finalist for a 'Best in the World Award,' where it will be up against three other entries from around the globe in the 'Self-Publishing' category.

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards have been running for 25 years, and the final takes place on June 5 in Paris and has been described as 'The Oscars of food awards.'

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Previous Gourmand award winners include Jamie Oliver, Michel Roux, and Paul Hollywood.

James continued: "For my book to be shortlisted from books produced not only in the UK but from all over the World, is something I'm very proud of.

"Not only is the story designed to be fun for kids and those reading the story with them, I also wanted to encourage children and families to think about what they eat and to embrace a healthy lifestyle.

"When writing 'Captain Satsuma has Landed,' I set out to help solve a very real problem faced by a number of parents across the UK, getting their children to embrace their 5 a day.

"To get this level of recognition for a book I wrote and published myself is truly amazing."

Jenny Tschiesche, best selling author and nutrition workshop facilitator said of James' book: "I've been reading this fantastic book designed for people far younger than me but no less fun for us adults too!

"It is a fantastic bedtime storybook and it is designed to encourage children to have a balanced diet, and to respect nature and their environment."

James is now working on some further adventures for Captain Satsuma, with the emphasis being to educate and engage with children in fun ways.

The book is available direct from his website: www.captainsatsuma.co.uk.