An author has made his long-awaited return to Manx schools this week to talk about his new book.

Children’s author Pete Murray is spending the next couple of weeks visiting schools up and down the island to talk about his new book, ’Poppy Warrior’ and the themes that lie behind the story.

Pete is the author of 11 books, each featuring stories full of adventure and horror and are aimed at seven to 13 year olds.

His titles include the very popular Mokey Joe series and the Bonebreaker trilogy and has long been a visitor to the island.

His latest book mixes an immersive ghost story and a poignant tale from the First World War and, following the end of the lockdown, he has returned to classrooms across the British Isles, including eight schools on the island, where he will meet with over 600 local pupils with the aim to engage them in imaginative story writing and encouraging them to read more.

Up until Covid hit last year, Pete was regular visitor to the island’s schools. However, he has not been able to travel to the island since last year.

’I love coming to the island, especially to inspire literacy and reading,’ said Pete.

’I’ve been coming here ever since my first book came out in 2004.

’What I always try to do is to bring one of my books to life.

I do that through getting the kids to act the parts of the books along with fairly dramatic readings and telling them how I put the book together and what inspired me.

’The characterisation and the acting brings the books to life,’ he continued.

’What we find, and what the schools love to see, is that reluctant readers, who are not really that into reading books, they get fired up and interested, and that’s what the schools really do love to see.

’It’s a win-win situation, as I get to promote my books and the schools are more than happy, as the kids are inspired to read.’

’Poppy Soldier’ is a touching tale of a young boy, obsessed with computer games, meets the ghost of his great-grandfather, who was killed in the first World War.

’The strongest message we have for the kids is that the imagination is far stronger than any electronic device,’ said Pete.

The boy in my book learns that the reality of war is far more horrific than on the screen.’

More details about Pete Murray can be found at peterjmurray.co.uk