Crowdfunding project launched by March-based Eyrie Press is on target meet printing costs for children's book

A new picture book written for children for whom hospital has become part of their daily lives has reached the halfway point to its funding goal on the crowdfunding site Kickstarter just three days after being launched.

The book, called The Hospital Hoppities, is being published by March-based indie publisher Eyrie Press and stars Ollie who, bored in hospital one day, discovers the magical rabbits who secretly carry out good deeds throughout the wards.

Author Charlotte Hartley-Jones, from Sussex, has first-hand experience of life in the ward as her own son has a chronic condition.

She wanted to write a story that gives children like her son the chance to recognise themselves on the pages of a picture book, in a supporting role rather than a dependent one.

Jane Spencer of Eyrie Press said: “We are honoured to be publishing The Hospital Hoppities under our imprint for children’s and family books, Bird’s Nest Books.”

The book is being launched with a crowdfunding campaign through Kickstarter, a funding platform for creative projects. Crowdfunded projects are funded by members of the public, with a specified funding goal and deadline.

Backers of The Hospital Hoppities Kickstarter campaign can choose to receive a pre-publication copy of the book in hardback or paperback. They can also choose to receive a second hardback copy which they can donate to a hospital ward or library.

The Kickstarter campaign can be found at www.kickstarter.com/projects/eyriepress/the-hospital-hoppities