Romany Johnny Joe

Gypsies and Travellers may have often featured in children’s books, but we’ve seldom written them. But Hilda Brazil has put her pen to paper to find the book within and the result is getting rave reviews from parents. Her book Romany Johnny Joe tells how the resident toads and frogs of Toadville are preparing themselves for a showdown as current conker Romany Johnny Joe defends his title. But this year he must face the mayor of Toadville and very large toad indeed, Sir Burty Marshland.

Hilda works for Surrey County Council’s youth justice service and is dedicated to challenging the prejudice young Gypsies and Travellers face. “I didn’t have a great education myself,” she says, “but that doesn’t mean I haven’t got a great imagination. With the help of a computer and spell checker I’ve proven that anybody can produce a book.” 

 Published by Athena Press, the book is a wise tale of how an underdog can take on a more powerful opponent. Packed with illustrations that children can colour in, it’s proving a hit with parents from Britain to Australia on internet book site Amazon.com. One satisfied customer, O.J Barwick has written: “

“This is a charming story where the underdog wins against all the odds! Designed for children from about six to ten, it will appeal to all those who feel that sometimes the dice is loaded against them.
It is also a book written by a Romany Gypsy who has the art of storytelling, with references to a passing rural life and traditions. It gently points to the errors of prejudice and discrimination. It would be valuable in primary schools that have Traveller children and those who do not!

You can buy it here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Romany-Johnny-Joe-HildaBrazil/dp/1847485561/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top