Author and illustrator Phil Mansell is celebrating the publication of his tenth children’s book on Amazon – and has included among the illustrations the bookshop in Jávea where it is sold.

The book, entitled Smash and Grab is a lively and amusing tale of two hapless robbers who get more than they bargained for when they rob a haunted house. Phil, who also illustrates his books, has included a nod to Polly’s Bookshop in Jávea Port where his books are on sale.

Explaining his creative process, Phil said, “I was drawing the robbers walking down a street full of shops and I thought it would be nice to include Polly’s, as they have always supported me by stocking my books and helping me to promote them.’

The owner of Polly’s Bookshop, Sam Moustafa, commented, “It was wonderful to see the shop feature on several pages, especially as we’re celebrating 40 years of bringing quality used books to the Costa Blanca through our shops in Jávea and Moreira. Phil’s books have proved to be very popular with our younger customers – and I’m going to enjoy reading this latest one myself.”

Phil’s other children books include popular titles such as Where Do Pirates Go For A Picnic?, Mrs McBee’s Multicoloured Knees, and Arabella Saturday and the Circus Next Door.

Phil, who is also a published playwright, is now working on more writing projects. As well as more children’s books there is a memoir of his childhood in the backstreets of 1950s Birmingham and a play which he hopes will be staged by Jávea Players.

“Since I retired, I’ve never been busier!” he added.

For more information about Phil’s writing and art, visit http://www.philmansell.com.