A year after the death of a Barnet author of children's stories, her first book - Odd Fox Out - has been published by her husband Tony Barnes and its publication was celebrated with a launch party at Waterstones book shop in The Spires.

Jo Barnes, who was a founder member of a local writers’ group, wrote several short stories for children and before her death a year ago, she was still hoping to find a publisher.

Her husband promised her they would get published…and Odd Fox Out, the first of three books which Jo completed, was launched at a gathering of friends and past and present teachers who taught with Jo at schools across London.

Odd Fox Out is all about the adventures of Edgar, a young fox who ends up fighting to save battery chickens and delivers a powerful message about animal cruelty.

Edgar meets a rabbit but, instead of eating him, they make friends and his many adventures include a battle at a factory farm, fighting for the lives of the chickens he once found so tasty.

Jo intended her storyline to be exciting for nine- to twelve-year-olds.

“The great thing abut using animal characters is that they can do all sorts of dangerous and exciting things that modern children wouldn’t be allowed to do.

“There is also the humour in watching humans through animal eyes, as they often make the wrong assumptions.”

“It is not a vegetarian tract, but it is against cruelty. Above all, it’s about making difficult decisions and sticking to them even when everyone thinks you’re all mad. It’s about families and friendship and romantic love, too.”

Penny Joelson (above), another local author, read an extract at the launch, and said how unlucky Jo had been not to find a publisher during her lifetime.

“Odd Fox Out is beautifully told and thought provoking, a true pager turner by a wonderful author.”

Penny and Jo formed a local writers’ group 20 years ago and developed their writing skills.

“At our final meeting of the group we met Jo on zoom.  She was in bed, and we read for her the final chapter of Odd Fox Out.

“She was ahead of her time in tackling issues like animal cruelty – themes which are more commonplace now in books.

“We all knew she would be successful, and it is wonderful now to see that one of her stories is finally out in the bookshops.

“She was so unlucky not find a publisher,” said Penny, author of I Have No Secrets, an award-winning novel for young adults. 

The front cover illustration of Edgar the fox was painted by Reena Patel (above), a neighbour, who hopes she might get the chance to work on the covers for the next two books by Jo which her husband hopes to publish in 2024.

Tony, who lives off Manor Road, High Barnet, had been married to Jo for 50 years until her death from ovarian cancer, first diagnosed 20 years ago.

“I’m keen to give Odd Fox Out as wide a circulation as possible. It’s my way of keeping her memory alive, and the book has such powerful messages about animal cruelty and having principles and sticking to them.”

Odd Fox Out is published by SilverWood Books ISBN 978-1-80042-247-6 (paperback).