A SPRINGBURN based author has struck gold at home and abroad with his debut novel – a story about Barack Obama’s life, as a bear.

The Bear in a Safari Hat by Springburn resident Jojo Gould is an allegorical tale of Brosnan, a bear educated in Jakarta, the same place the new US president was educated.

The bear then moves west to Ireland, and like Obama, he has plenty of charisma and an army of fans – when Brosnan plays his trumpet the honey bees follow him.

The book is now in hot demand having being picked up by retailers around the world, including in America and Japan, much to the delight of the author, with Gould saying:

“It is quite subtle as an allegory but people who read it see quite clearly who it is about.

“I’m not sure if it’s for this reason but the book just sold out in Waterstones in Glasgow this week.

"To actually write something to go on sale internationally and sell out in Waterstones in your own town is quite something”.

The book is aimed at older children which is fitting considering the main character was based on a teddy bear, a gift Gould bought an ex girlfriend as a Valentines Day gift.

In fact Gould drew inspiration from the author Michael Bond who based his world famous children’s stories about Paddington bear on a real teddy.

However, current reviews on Amazon suggest the book is being enjoyed by adults too, who are more likely to grasp the political references.

And those who enjoyed the first book don’t have to wait long until the next one, as the sequel has just been completed, which Jojo has chosen to set in East Dunbartonshire:

“The sequel is set in Scotland. I believe Barrack might have Scottish ancestry, so, so does the bear.

“It’s mostly set in Lennoxtown actually, in a castle in the Campsie hills.”

He also reveals that he plans to write a series of follow ups, in which Brosnan will travel all over the world.

 For more information see www.jojogould.com