Boy becomes best-selling author with first book

A 10-year-old boy from Hull has become a best-selling author on Amazon with his first published book.

Zach wrote and illustrated Zach’s Reptile Alphabet: Reptile Facts and Fun Rhymes, a children’s book on reptiles which was published on 8 August.

It was ranked as number one on Amazon across three categories – reptiles, reptiles and amphibians (books) and amphibians.

On seeing how well his book had done, Zach said: “It’s amazing and a great feeling, I was so proud and speechless.”

Lucy, Zach’s mum, said he first started drawing at the age of four and has grown up surrounded by animals since his dad runs a pet shop.

She said he “mastered drawing very quickly” and she had “always been astounded by his artistic talents.”

Zach said he had “always wanted to write a book” especially after his mum wrote one last year.

“My dad and mum have had an interest in reptiles for a long time and when I got my gecko in December last year I started researching about lizards, snakes, crocodilians and turtles.”

He added: “I love reptiles and I think people don’t like them and you’re told to be scared of snakes.

“Reptiles aren’t like that, they are beautiful animals.”

Lucy added: “It’s been quite a long project for him as he was bringing me things that weren’t publishable but he’s been so resilient.

“It’s incredible how much effort he’s put into it, it’s fully deserved.”

Zach said he had “way more [ideas] on the way” and wants to stick to the animal theme for his next book on geckos.