Magical story in new book by Valley author
LIZZIE DEANE
ANEW kids story book designed to teach children about taking care of the environment has been published by a Valley author.
Danny English’s book, ‘The Happiness Tree’, tells the story of a witch who creates a potion from polluting ingredients that is so poisonous that it destroys all the happiness in the world.
It takes an adventurous young girl and a magical tree to break the spell and rediscover happiness.
Danny, 39, of Church Street, Newchurch, said the tale was inspired by the work he does promoting the joy of nature to schoolchildren at his Outdoor Education project, CommuniTree.
He said: “I’m a storyteller. I use stories to try and help children recognise the health and wellbeing benefits of being in the great outdoors.
“I want to teach children that if we look after our environment then it can give us so much back.
“When we encourage children into the outdoors we lay the foundations for a generation of children to build an emotional bond with nature and protect her and all her beauty well into the next generation and beyond.”
The book, illustrated by artist Miriam Hull and published by local publishers Holcombe Press, was originally written for St Mary’s Primary School in Hawkshaw’s ‘Happiness Week’.
Danny hopes to maintain the link with schools in the area through a scheme which will allow schools which sell copies of the book to keep £1.99 of the £6.99 price tag.
Holcombe Brook Pri- mary in Ramsbottom has already signed up to the scheme, with any money raised from book sales going towards plans for a new outdoor learning space.
Danny will also be doing a reading at the school, after which children will plant a happiness tree.
Other readings and signings are planned in Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall over the next few weeks.
Danny hopes that the story will inspire adults and children alike to embrace and protect the natural world.
He added: “Sadly this story is not far from reality as it echoes the real-life impact of pollution for many people around the world.
“The Happiness Tree helps us to understand how connecting with nature is an essential ingredient in the pursuit of health and wellbeing for all.” ●● The front cover of ‘The Happiness Tree’ by Danny English, inset