Father's bedtime story turns into major book sale to Virgin Atlantic

A fanciful children’s tale has led to a dream opportunity for one author from Haywards Heath, England.

The Guardian reports on a wonderful story that itself could be the plot of a captivating book.

It introduces us to Stephen Holmes who self-published a children’s book by the name “The Great Hot Air Balloon Adventure.”

You can get more information on the book and order it at its website.

Now self-publishing a book isn’t exactly remarkable. People continue to do just that at an astonishing clip. What is, however, amazing is the reception the little book received from Virgin Atlantic, which recently ordered 2,000 copies to give out for kids to enjoy during those exhausting overnight flights.

The report explains that Holmes would tell this tall tale to his daughters who were enamored with the story. A little nudging from one of them set Holmes on an adventure of his own to procure an illustrator and print off some copies.

The following touching video explains a bit about the story behind the book’s adoption by Virgin Atlantic:

Holmes explains to The Guardian a bit about the whirlwind journey the book about a hot-air balloon adventure has taken: “My eldest had said we should make the story into a book as a keepsake – I thought we had better do it this year or she’ll be 12 and have no interest. I’d thought we’d sell a few to friends and neighbors, but people were saying it looked like a proper book and should be sold. I knew how difficult it was to get an agent, so I thought of a few companies it would be a good fit with, Virgin being one of those.”

Holmes continued: “I thought hot air balloon equals Richard Branson. I was trying my luck … I was stunned when … they wanted to take it up. They flew the books out to Orlando on Tuesday, and they’re handing them out from today to families on the night flight back to the UK.”

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As for Virgin Atlantic’s part in this magical story, Matt Webster spoke on the brand’s behalf to the publication: “We were instantly charmed by Stephen’s endearing book, as well as the story behind it, and felt it would be a great hit with families on night-time flights. It was the icing on the cake that Stephen is based in Haywards Heath, just around the corner from Virgin Atlantic’s HQ; we always like to support up-and-coming local talent where we can.”

As Holmes relays to The Guardian, each book sold represents another donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The book is about two characters that go on a remarkable trip in an adorable red and white hot air balloon.

Little did Holmes know but his little lark would result in his own lovely story the rest of us can enjoy.
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