Chavos is an entertaining, educational and thought provoking series, exploring the lives of young people in difficult circumstances. These powerful stories written for children 9+ explore friendship, survival and resilience. Real life, real situations. Street Kids, and those colourful characters who cross their path daily, all have an equally compelling story to tell.
The Chavos series traces the journeys of street kids and the vibrant characters who shape their world. Each story weaves together themes of survival, friendship, gripping drama, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
Chavos – The Kids of Distrito Federal – was my first novel and remains close to my heart. I wanted to write stories that were real, educational and entertaining, and stay with children long after they closed the book.
My stories, which came to life as I re-read my daily journaling from many visits to Mexico, captured all my senses – smell, taste, sound, sight and emotion, – they had to be shared.
My life has never been dull, but to share my stories with hundreds of children in 200 schools, speak about global awareness, and encourage them to find their their own voices through writing was a privilege, something else I will always hold close to my heart.
'Writing empties the thoughts from our head and is always to be encouraged.'
Anna McKann
The books form a connected tapestry, showing how one story can ripple through many lives.
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The books in the Chavos series are fiction based on fact, blending the engagement of storytelling with the benefits of real-world learning.
Young children naturally connect with characters and narratives, when factual information is embedded in a story:
Our vision has always centred on children—supporting them through education, the arts, and the belief that children can help other children. Through community activities, partnerships, and work in schools, we have raised awareness of the challenges faced by young people around the world.
While the needs of children in the UK may not be as extreme as those living on the streets in other parts of the world, their struggles are still significant and deserve attention.
Profits from the sales of the Chavos books will help support children living in poverty. Many schoolchildren have already shown inspiring creativity and compassion by finding imaginative ways to raise money for their peers.
Chavos the musical is a vibrant, roller coaster of emotion, inspired by the resilience, humour, and hope of a group of children who live on the streets in Mexico City. Survival their aim, drawing on the heart of Annie, the grit of Oliver, and the playful cleverness of Matilda, this production blends big-hearted storytelling with powerful music, movement, and a message that matters. With a captivating story and at its core, the musical celebrates the strength of children — their imagination, courage, friendships, and unbreakable dreams — even in the toughest circumstances.
At the centre of the musical is Dolita, an abandoned but determined girl searching for her family. As she joins forces with the lively Street Kid Gang, audiences meet a colourful cast of characters, each with their own hopes:
A Musical Filled with Energy, Emotion & Fun
The score blends uplifting ensemble numbers, witty comedic songs, street-style rhythms, soulful ballads, and bold theatrical showstoppers. Dances erupt from everyday moments, creating a world where music is the heartbeat of survival and joy.
This is a story told through children’s voices — authentic, cheeky, hopeful, heart-breaking, triumphant — and designed to give young performers centre stage.
