Francis Meyrick

Whopper the Chopper Francis Meyrick

'Whopper the Chopper' is a children's book. That said, it also has great appeal to an adult audience. Parents of younger children are sure to enjoy reading these 'bedtime stories'. The central characters are a helicopter called 'Whopper' and a biplane, 'Dusty Lady', both piloted by the easy-going 'Moggy'. People who know him will easily recognise that 'Moggy' is actually Francis Meyrick, the author. Francis maintains that most of the stories in this book "are 90% true", based on personal experience. The risks and thrills are true to life, carefully re-told for younger readers while maintaining the suspense as well as the wry humour. The many stories range from supreme rescue efforts, balancing on the verge of the catastrophic, to the well-intended but unfortunate ... bloopers. "Those are closer to 99% true", Francis admits. It becomes obvious that a helicopter can be an extremely valuable aid, in the right hands, but it can also create havoc.