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The States have launched a new children’s book to encourage young islanders to engage in politics and perhaps even decide to stand as a candidate one day.
The animated publication introduces us to two colourful characters called Miz and Mox, whose actions and language are designed to be an exemplar of how elected officials should behave.
After all, as we know, politicians already have an esteemed reputation, up there with the noble arts of journalism, law and alchemy, so improving their standing in society can’t be that difficult, can it?
In the book, Miz and Mox go on a madcap adventure to find out more about life in politics. Mox, for instance, discovers that getting ‘sworn in’ to the States Chamber can involve more than raising your right hand when you’ve upset Miz!
They meet lots of friendly characters on the way, including a juggling heifer (“What a silly cow!” Mox exclaims; “Harrumph! says Miz), a bath-oil salesman called Molton Brown (Miz, like Paddington, gives Mr Brown a hard stare, and refuses to accept his cosmetic gifts) and a friendly lady from Northern Ireland called Dr Melissa.
Dr Melissa thinks Mox is well intentioned but she still offers some kind words of advice on how he can do things better … but Mox is too busy stacking stones to listen!
On the way, Miz and Mox also meet their friend Timmy who is about to go out for dinner with a lady friend. “Do we believe in Timmy dating?” asks Miz of Mox. “In Timmy dating?” replies Mox. “I’m not In Timmy Dating! Harumph!”
Their frosty relationship continues to sour despite Mox trying to iron things out by calling Miz ‘stunning’.
In the end, Dr Melissa is called in to settle this uncomfortable spat between two political newbies.
As Dr Melissa wisely says at the end of the book, trying to make sense of the situation: “Life is like an inordinately expensive box of chocolates. You just never know why they’ve been given.”
Meanwhile, everyone hopes to move on from this childish tale of political tittle tattle and get on with the business of making the island a better place.
