The heart-warming tales of a University of East Anglia professor's time working to save chimpanzees in Africa is coming to a city bookshop this weekend.

Ben Garrod, who found fame in the BBC show Baby Chimp Rescue, will be at Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Timberhill to sign copies of his new book Jack-Jack: A Dog in Africa.

Ben, a conservationist, broadcaster and author, worked with the legendary Sir David Attenborough on BBC documentary The Mammoth Graveyard in 2021.

Norwich Evening News: Ben Garrod is a professor of evolutionary biology and science engagement at the University of East Anglia Ben Garrod is a professor of evolutionary biology and science engagement at the University of East Anglia (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

The book was created after Ben's time at Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection where, along the way, he met Jack-Jack.

The launch event will be Great Yarmouth-born Ben’s first function for the book and will be suitable for children aged six to nine and all parents coming along.

The story is written from the perspective of the loveable dog, following his journey from his life with the chimps, to a change of scenery in the rainy UK.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich illustrator Charli Vince has decorated the windows of Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Timberhill ahead of a launch event for Ben Garrod's new book Jack-Jack: A Dog in Africa Norwich illustrator Charli Vince has decorated the windows of Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Timberhill ahead of a launch event for Ben Garrod's new book Jack-Jack: A Dog in Africa (Image: Hallie Taylor/Newsquest)Norwich Evening News: Prof Ben Garrod with his dog Jack-Jack Prof Ben Garrod with his dog Jack-Jack (Image: Ben Garrod)

They live in Bristol but Ben also works at the UEA, as a professor of evolutionary biology and science engagement.

The book is illustrated by Charli Vince, who lives in Norwich and who decorated the bookshop's windows ahead of the event. Charli will also be at the launch to meet book lovers.

Leanne Frid, co-owner and manager of Bookbugs and Dragon Tales, said: “Charli's illustrations really capture Jack-Jack’s cheeky personality.

Norwich Evening News: UEA professor Ben Garrod's new book Jack-Jack: A Dog in Africa UEA professor Ben Garrod's new book Jack-Jack: A Dog in Africa (Image: Ben Garrod)Norwich Evening News: Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Timberhill owners Dan and Leanne Fridd Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Timberhill owners Dan and Leanne Fridd (Image: Leanne Fridd)

“It’s going to be an incredible event. Ben will be talking about the background to his book along with all of his fabulous adventures while Charli will be running a draw alongside so the children can create their own Jack-Jack.

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“Canine companions are also very welcome to come along!"

Norwich Evening News: Norwich illustrator Charli Vince drew on the walls of Bookbugs and Dragon Tales Norwich illustrator Charli Vince drew on the walls of Bookbugs and Dragon Tales (Image: Hallie Taylor/Newsquest)Norwich Evening News: Ben Garrod has signed the walls of Bookbugs and Dragon Tales, like many visiting authors have Ben Garrod has signed the walls of Bookbugs and Dragon Tales, like many visiting authors have (Image: Hallie Taylor/Newsquest)

Entry is £2 but £1 of that is redeemable against the book, running between 1pm and 2pm, where Ben and Jack-Jack will be on hand for a selfie or two. 

- Additional reporting by Georgia Sweet