Books&Poetry BARLEY AND BASIL ARE BACK A Shropshire author has released his second book for children, continuing the adventures of Barley the dog and his nephew Basil in the county’s beautiful countryside about taking them on long walks all over the county. That was when I had the idea of turning
“I’ve always thought here would make a wonderful backdrop”
Proud author Roy Bradshaw
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arley’s Biscuit: Ironbridge Gorge, A Paddle and the Golden Glow is the latest in what author Roy Bradshaw hopes will be a series of 12 books and follows the first release, Barley’s Biscuit: Broseley, Benthall Edge, written during lockdown. Roy, from Madeley, is a teacher at Madeley Academy and was inspired by his friend Mick and his two pet dogs. “He has one collie called Barley who’s mad about biscuits, and another called Basil, and he used to tell hilarious stories
LOC A L B OOKS The Consequence by Gerald Jones Gerald Jones was born in Newtown, Mid-Wales but raised in the village of Llandyssil where the book is based. The Consequence is the author’s debut novel and the idea for it came a long time ago, in his early teens, hearing of soldiers in action in Egypt during the First World War. It is a tale of war, love and courage, of the men who must leave home and the women they leave behind. Gerald dedicated hundreds of hours to research and there are many historical details unique to the local area. The characters are fictitious but their stories all too real. The Consequence, price £8.99, is on Amazon and Goodreads. A sequel, Sam, will be published in the new year. The Lost Child of Chernobyl by Helen Bate Helen Bate’s latest work is a powerful graphic novel inspired by the explosion
them into children’s stories. I set out to write two Barley’s Biscuit books but I’ve got enough material for 12! “I’ve lived in Shropshire for 30 years now,” says Roy. “It’s a beautiful county and I’ve always thought it would provide a wonderful backdrop for a series, with every book set in a different beauty spot – separate stories but on a similar theme.”
and it’s great to be able to say now,” says the author. “I hope they’ll take as much pleasure from reading it as I did writing it.” Roy has also self-published novels for adults, but says that was mainly for fun and as a way of honing his writing skills. Before joining Madeley, he taught in primary, secondary and special schools and worked as an engineer. “Being a teacher has helped me appreciate the joy a good adventure story brings to the young – and not so young,” he adds. Roy wants to follow up the release of his new book with signings and school readings. If you’d like to host an event, email roy.bradshaw456@outlook.com or call Roy on 07874 706780.
Shropshire spots to star
Barley’s Biscuit: Ironbridge Gorge, A Paddle and the Golden Glow is published by YouCaxton and available from Amazon and local outlets. Follow Barley and Basil on Facebook @BarleysBiscuit
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Big Boys Don’t Cry by Libby Allison and Francesca Varutti The first book from this Oswestry-based author/publishing team, Big Boys Don’t Cry is aimed at boys aged five to nine who have suffered upset or trauma. Although written for professionals working with young people, the lively illustrations and simple message are ideal for parents and carers to read with children at home too. The book is accompanied by a set of 11 activity sheets to promote discussion about feelings, good and bad secrets and hopes for the future. Order from www.allisonvarutti.co.uk, £6.99 (workbook/CD, £10.99).
The new book is set in Ironbridge and features more exciting adventures for Barley and Basil. “People have been asking for a while when it would be out
the Ukrainian power plant, published for the 35th anniversary of the disaster. One April night, people living near Chernobyl see a bright light in the sky. Everyone is told to move out, but two stubborn old ladies, Anna and Klara, refuse to leave… Helen, from Whitchurch, won a People’s Book Prize for her innovative work with Pictures to Share, creating books for people with dementia. The Lost Child of Chernobyl is published by Otter-Barry, price £12.99
Grandfather’s War by Les Broad When Les, from St Asaph, lost his mother, he realised he knew very little about her father – his grandad – so he began to dig. Charles Cook, he discovered, is one of 154,000 British and Calling local authors… Commonwealth war dead If you’re living in the Shire area or have written buried in Iraq. Les compiled about a local person or place, we’d love to their story in this moving feature you on these pages. Email editorial@ book, available via King’s Hall shiremagazine.co.uk. Productions’ Facebook page.
124 SHIRE MAGAZINE | January/February 2022
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