Observations of the sparrows in my back yard helped develop the storyline of Spadge the leader of the family flock, taking the birds on adventures and along the way I decided to fold in some well-being ideas. Concepts around family life, eating proper food and getting exercise for well-being. Not overtly but just built into the story. My thought was it might be useful for parents and grandparents to help get ideas across to young members of the family. The book is listed by the publishers as suitable for children up to 7 years of age, but it would also be good for older kids to read for themselves to help improve their literacy.
Now a children’s book is not too flash without some pictures and I want to draw attention to the illustrations by Les Holmes. I was casting around for an artist and when I spoke to Les, I said I wanted the birds in the book to have some human qualities. He said “ a bit like Beatrix Potter?” So I said “exactly, you’ve got it.” He grasped the concept straight away and produced some wonderful images.
Spadge is now being reprinted ready for Christmas ,anyone wanting a copy of “Spadge” can simply email me and I will reply with details.
My hope is, that while the story entertains children, it will also plant the germ of an idea about how choices made can affect lifestyle and health. It also has an interactive element with some sparrow facts at the back, followed by a map of the world on which they can identify the countries where this very widely spread bird can be found.
I think Spadge will make a very acceptable birthday or Christmas present for people’s children, grandchildren, in fact for any child.
