A charming children’s tale of acceptance, inclusivity and respecting the differences in others has proven a hit after it was released.

Author Rob Cowley released ’RED: A Manx Dragon called Rufus’ last weekend, and said that the book has proven popular with Isle Listen, the charity for which it is raising funds, so much so that they are using it in primary schools to help raise awareness of inclusivity and diversity in young children.

Retired teacher Rob’s book is about ’Rufus’, a young dragon that doesn’t feel as though he fits into his world, due to him being a different colour to the rest of his fellow dragons, and develops a sense of worry and isolation.

Gradually he finds his voice and his place in the Magic Kingdom community, where he lives.

’Red’ is Rob’s third book and the second of his ’Manx Bedtime Story’ series of books, following last year’s ’PINK: The Adventures of a Manx Fairy’.

’I think this is my best book to date, although I guess everyone says that about their latest books,’ said Rob.

’"RED" was the first time I specifically set out to write a book, with a clear idea of what I was getting into.

’My first book, ’No Entry’, was definitely accidental, and came about after making up stories with my grandchildren.

’My second came about during the Covid lockdowns and ended up being a very family orientated story about a fairy that was able to fly over the water and bring messages to loved ones.

’However, that one did put the idea of creating a bedtime book series in my mind, giving the chance for a very talented young Manx illustrator to have a go at drawing and also raising £1,000 for a local charity.

’I also found that I really enjoyed the process of writing books and, also, what I have found interesting is that I have been able to weave meaning into the books.

’I have called it the "Manx Bedtime Book Series", as I want parents to sit down with heir kids and make the time to read it to them.

’I think that 10 minutes story time, just before a child goes to bed, is quite powerful, and to be read a story that contains a lot of very positive messages can be very important for a child.’

Proceeds of each of Rob’s books have been donated to a specific charity, with ’PINK’ being linked with Manx Breast Cancer Support.

This time around, he teamed up with the mental health charity Isle Listen, which brought about a surprising result.

’Isle Listen are a great charity to be involved with, as the key themes of the story, such as acceptance, inclusivity, diversity and respect, are the type of thing that they try to promote in the schools.

’The great thing for me is that, not only do they like the book, they are actually using it as part of their sessions they hold at some of the island’s primary schools.

’The charity thinks it can help children to find out about these topics and the idea that, just because people don’t look the same doesn’t mean they don’t fit in, and that there is a place for everyone.’

Rob’s book is once again illustrated by 16-year-old Karmen St John Cain, a talented young artist who has high-functioning Asperger’s syndrome, who has been helping to visualise Rob’s tales since she was 13.

’The difference in Karmen’s work, from her first book to this one, is just amazing,’ said Rob.

’She has progressed so much. She has gone from simple drawings and scribblings of my characters, to using some pretty sophisticated computer software, and her work is just terrific.

’Again, she has brought so much to the story and brought the characters to life in a wonderful way.

’Also her confidence has improved so much from being involved in this process.

’RED’ can be purchased in Shoprite stores, the Lexicon bookshop, the Mostly Manx shop and online at bunchcreative.im