Introducing the Olly The Jack Series
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Creating children’s books has been one of the most rewarding parts of my writing journey. After publishing A Home For Emy, I knew I wanted to continue writing stories for younger readers—stories that were fun, engaging, and gently reflective of the world around us.
That decision led to the creation of the Olly The Jack series, inspired by my own dog, Olly—a tiny Jack Russell Terrier with an enormous personality (and weighing just 3.9kg!). In this post, I’d love to take you behind the scenes of the first two books in the series: Olly The Top Security Dog (2020) and Olly & The Treasure Map (2021).
Olly The Top Security Dog (2020)
The very first book in the series, Olly The Top Security Dog, introduced readers to Olly and his big personality.
Despite his small size, Olly sees himself as a brave and important “top security dog”, always on duty and ready to protect his home. The story captures the humour and charm of a little dog who believes he’s much bigger than he really is—a trait that many dog owners will recognise instantly.
This book was also the beginning of a very special creative partnership with illustrator Izzy Bean, a talented Yorkshire-based artist whose work I had admired for a long time. From the very first sketches, Izzy brought Olly to life in a way that perfectly matched how I had imagined him. Her warm, playful illustrations have since become one of the most loved aspects of the series.
Another important element of this first book is its quiet inclusion of LGBTQ+ representation. Olly is described as having two (human) Dads—a small, natural detail that simply reflects everyday life. It’s not the focus of the story, nor is it treated as anything unusual, but it was important to me to include representation in a way that feels normal and accessible for young readers.
At its heart, Olly The Top Security Dog is a fun, character-driven children’s story that celebrates imagination, confidence, and being yourself.
Olly & The Treasure Map (2021)
The second book in the series, Olly & The Treasure Map, builds on Olly’s world and introduces readers to an important new character: Luna the Lab.
Luna is inspired by Olly’s real-life best friend—a golden Labrador who has been by his side since puppyhood. Bringing Luna into the books felt like a natural next step, and their friendship quickly became a central part of the series.
In this adventure, Olly and Luna take part in a beach clean, offering a gentle introduction to environmental awareness and the importance of looking after our planet. While helping to tidy the shoreline, they discover a mysterious bottle containing a treasure map. Naturally, curiosity takes over, and the two friends set off on an exciting journey to uncover what lies at the end of the trail.
This story combines adventure, friendship, and a subtle educational message—encouraging children to care for their surroundings while enjoying a classic treasure hunt narrative.
Once again, Izzy Bean’s illustrations play a huge role in bringing the story to life. From sandy paws to wagging tails, every page is filled with warmth, energy, and personality.
It’s no surprise that Olly & The Treasure Map has become one of the most popular books in the series. The combination of adventure and the strong bond between Olly and Luna resonates with readers of all ages.
The Heart of the Olly The Jack Series
Across both books, the aim has always been the same: to create engaging children’s fiction that blends fun storytelling with gentle, meaningful themes.
Key elements of the series include:
Animal stories for children, centred around a lovable Jack Russell Terrier
Positive messages about friendship, kindness, and imagination
Subtle themes such as LGBTQ+ representation and environmental awareness
Beautiful, engaging illustrations that bring each story to life
The Olly The Jack books are designed to be enjoyable for both children and the adults reading with them—stories that can be revisited time and time again.
Looking Ahead
From the moment I finished Olly The Top Security Dog, I knew Olly’s adventures wouldn’t stop there. Writing these books—and collaborating with Izzy—has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m so proud of how the series has grown.
And of course, Olly himself continues to provide plenty of inspiration for future stories!
Discover the Olly The Jack Books
If you’re looking for children’s books about dogs, illustrated adventure stories, or heartwarming tales of friendship, the Olly The Jack series is a great place to start.
Both Olly The Top Security Dog and Olly & The Treasure Map are available now in Kindle and paperback editions.
You can find out more about these books—and explore the rest of the series—here: 👉 https://linktr.ee/christurnbullauthor
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