Teacher is telling tales of his own (From Penarth Times)

Teacher is telling tales of his own

A PENARTH music teacher has had his story, which encourages childhood companionship, published in a brand new book.

Nigel Latham, 37, of Stanwell Road, wrote Jonathan and the Bear, a short story featured in New Fiction's A Dodo In The Desert.

Mr Latham, who is also a classical vocalist, said: "It all started when I replied to an appeal in the Penarth Times for people to read their poetry on Rookwood Hospital's radio station.

"I was approached by New Fiction saying they wanted some new writers for a book. I had a bit of writing experience so I wrote two stories, the first a supernatural one and the second for children."

The publishers chose the children's story which is about eight-year-old Jonathan who discovers a bear hiding in his school cupboard. The two become friends.

Mr Latham said: "It's all to do with companionship. I was inspired by two things. First, I'd had some kids who came to one of my lessons and they talked about being bullied.

"One child said it's a shame people can't get on in this world. He was nine. I wanted to write the story with that feeling in mind, as a reaction to what I'd heard. I'm also a qualified counsellor and children's psychology is one of my things."

He added: "I was also inspired by a teddy bear I've got, called Aloysius. I'm not sure why, but I think that's why I chose the bear."

Mr Latham is now writing two Jonathan and the Bear books. The first is about the pair on a day out and the second when they go on holiday.

Anne and Tony Hallett of Windsor Bookshop will stock his books in their shop.