FREEEEEE!

To celebrate the launch of the 2012/2013 Paws Animal Writing Competition for Children, the eBook version of the Wild n Free book with last year's winners and runners-up, is FREE to download to Kindle (or Kindle for your Pc for the next 5 days!)

Download FREE book

Let's see how many downloads we can get!

And please, in return, if some of you could post reviews on Amazon that would be amazing.

Because animals matter

The competition is open!

Find out more here!

PAWS is open for Submissions

We look forward to your entries.

LIKE the Facebook Page to keep up to date! LIKE

All the fun of the Mayfair Post 3

And to end the little run about the fab day we all had last Saturday (and wishing I could do it all again!) I will finish telling you about our special event.

After the Year 7 and 8 readers had taken their places in the spotlight, I invited one of the first round Years 9-11 judges to say a few words. Julie-Ann Corrigan is a great new writer. We have published her short stories at Bridge House and I have been working with her offering guidance on her novels. She is a prolific writer who has had competition successes and one to look out for with her novel writing.

As I explained Years 9-11 may have had the fewest entries, but those we did have were great. Julie-Ann talked about the way, as children, our writing has no bounds in terms of imagination and gave a little précis of the stories in the book from this group, giving special mention to all :)

We then invited RUNNER-UP, and the only child from this group in attendance, Susie Bradley who talked to us a little about her aspirations to be an agent or editor in the future. Then she read her story Breaking The Ice about melting ice caps; and polar bears very moving it was too.

After that we invited all the children to take part in a group photograph outside in the sunshine.

When we'd finished melting in the room as the heat rose with the afternoon sun, and raffle drawn, thank yous and goodbyes said, lots of hugs, some of us wended our way over to Hyde Park for a picnic. This meant it could all become a little more relaxed and I had the chance to talk to Mums, Dads, Aunts, Uncles, friends and best of all the young authors.

When we were finally on our way home, Mum, Dad, my brother and I supping Mocha Frappuccino in Starbucks at the station (well I was!) and looking back on the day, all I kept thinking was: I want to do it all again.

And we will.

The next competition opens on September 17th and if you haven't signed up for the newsletter you can here:

Newsletter

Enjoy some more photos :)

Author (judge)  Julie-Ann Corrigan

RUNNER-UP Susie Bradley

How do we feel to be in this book?

GREAT!

If you don't have your copy of Wild n Free yet, find it on Amazon here: click on book cover

Support young talent

All the fun of Mayfair Post 2

Well, I have to say my thoughts kept drifting back to Saturday as I worked yesterday and all the fab young writers I met. I felt part of something special and from the responses I've had I think others felt the same :) It's a real celebration of young talent and who knows where it might lead?

So as promised another instalment, this time our readers from Years 7 and 8, all kicked off by first round author judge, Gill James. She is my business partner at Bridge House, has had lots of shorts stories published but best known for her YA novels. She currently lectures at Salford University in Creative Writing and best of all is a great friend. Gill talked to us about the judging process and the quality of the writing, before she handed back to our young writers/readers ... here are some photos ...

Dr Gill James

 Laura Baliman (The ugly one with the book is Debz!)

 Luke Dalby

 Imogen Hartmann

 Marged Shakespear Huws (WINNER)

 Emily Wootton

If anyone else has photos do share!

More on Thursday ...

All the fun of Mayfair ... Post 1

All the Fun of the Mayfair

I am still smiling after finally meeting over half of the talented young authors in the Wild n Free Book! We met at Mayfair Library in London yesterday to celebrate our special book and what a great time we had. I will be posting this week as I get more photos hopefully, but I thought I would kick it off today while it's still buzzing happily in my head :)

Mayfair Library, London

The event took place in the fabulous library in the large events room upstairs -- a great venue! I roped in the whole family (as you do!) and we arrived about 10 and luckily the nice people there let us in early to set up.

The Events Room

We were set to start at 11 but it was nice so many arrived early so there was time to meet n greet! I set up a table as people came in, lots of hugs with these fab children! All the authors/artists were given a name badge and I got my book signed by them all and then encouraged everyone to get their books signed by their fellow authors too!

We had a raffle for Born Free and a few books for sale as well. Jen from Born Free was there to talk to people too and sign up children for the WildcreW Club! By the way the raffle made £25 for Born Free! Thank you all :)

It was a great time to mingle and get some free bickies and drink before we started the readings. Some of the artwork was on display and a message board about the 14 children that couldn't come along -- so their presence was felt, and missed :(

I gave a little talk about Born Free and Paws n Claws and how I am on a mission to get more and more children to enter the competition and raise awareness about wildlife and conservation.

Then in turn our fab authors came to the front where I asked them some questions and introduced them before they each gave a short reading (about a minute) from their stories. And they got a lollipop for their efforts (no expense spared!) We did it alphabetically per age group and we also had a few words from Gill James and Julie-Ann Corrigan our first round author judges who explained a little more about the judging process and how good all the stories were.

Everyone did so well as I know how scary it can be reading, but they were great-- made me feel very proud :)

When the readings were finished we went outside to the lovely secluded park next to the library and took a group photo -- see below.

Then we had more mingling and book signing before we drew the raffle, thanked everyone -- Jen from Born Free, judges, artists who helped us, my family and the biggest cheer had to be for the children! We hope this is the beginning not only of future writing careers but friendships as I know some exchanged emails. So I do hope this acts as a catalyst and I hope everyone stays in contact with me as well as I want to build on this.

I especially want to thank those that travelled from as far as Scotland, North Wales ... even France for the event.

If anyone wants to post their  experiences or add photos and tell us about your day at the event, email me and I'll invite you as a guest Blogger.

Here are some photos ... More to follow in the week .. these are years 5 and 6:

Charlotte Ash (Runner-up)  

Neelai Patel and Morgan Joy Ashby 

Thomas Bailey 

 Luke Julier

Miranda Lee (Winner)

Hannah Probyn-Duncan (author and cover artist)

 

 Thomas Sherlock

Molli Tyldesley

 

The rest of the authors will follow in the week ...

But I just want to say: Thanks everyone  for making my day so wonderful and I meant it when I said I hoped everyone would stay in touch.

Thanks to everyone in the Wild n Free Gang :)

Tune in tomorrow for more ...

Got a Kindle?

Coming soon, special low low price to get your copy of Wild n Free on Amazon Kindle ... in celebration of our special book party on London! Updates to follow!

The Wild n Free Book Party!

Sorry not been a lot of posts, been busy. We are now getting ready for the Wild n Free Book Party in London for the authors and their families. We have limited spaces but if you're near London and you want a special invite then please let me know, we have a few spare tickets up for grabs ...

The new competition opens again in  September. We know how many young talented writers there are out there so we need you to help us spread the word.
Our event is on August 18th at Mayfair Library 11 am - 1 pm. Free to attend. Weather permitting we picnic in Hyde Park after. Come on down! But as numbers are limited please do email me if you're interested debz@pawsnclawspublishing.co.uk

You'll meet the authors, hear them read from their stories, meet some of the judges and creator of The Jet-Set Colin Wyatt will be signing books. Hear about the work of Born Free!

Alex Cumming, Thomas Bailey, Daniel Maltz

Some of your young authors

A story that never got in ... but worth a read by Khairun-Nisaa Ahmed

Zarebian Nights 

Chapter One 

The glow of the new day edged its way across the horizon, chasing away the darkness. It was early June and Zareb, who had spent most of the night trying to get comfortable, had only just drifted off when sunlight shone directly into his sleepy eyes. The sight of the grazing impala on the lush green terrain made him feel hungry. The giraffes, with their languorous gait, made their way to the tallest trees to feed. A flock of birds flew gracefully in perfect unison. Zareb lifted his head, closed his eyes and breathed in the fresh air; the rains were on their way.

Listening carefully there seemed to be no sign of the two-legged beasts. The metal cage was still locked and Zareb knew he had to be patient. Something he never came to terms with in the six months since the zoo had become his home and the cage his keeper.
"Hey spots, c'mon wake up it's gonna be beautiful day."
"Acey I see you are cheery this day."
"You know me spots, where the gossips tasty, that's where you'll find Acey."
Zareb gave Acey a dark stare.
"Well spots I see you're in a good mood. I heard from the primates that Ellie finally had her calf, I mean honestly, two years no wonder they say elephants never forget."
Zareb remained expressionless.
"The migrating birds haven’t stopped chirping all today; you’d think they were the only ones who ever travelled. Badru and the other Meerkats are still planning their escape."
Acey gave a small chuckle. "As for the..." Zareb rolled his eyes. "Well anyway.” Acey, judging by Zareb's blank look,wasn't listening. "You're gonna have a new home soon."
 Zareb leapt from the makeshift branch. "What?" Acey scuttled closer. Zareb listened intently, a glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes and the smallest of grins donned the face marred by incarceration. The chattering of the primates alerted both leopard and mouse to the arrival of the two-legged ones. Zareb looked out onto the English country landscape, a waft of summer breeze swept across his face. Zareb longed to chase across the African horizon, to feel his powerful paws thudding across the Sub-Saharan terrain, languishing in the Zarebian nights.
The proposed transfer was his chance to escape.
He'd be home soon with Nabila and his family.

***

Don wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, taking a long drink of water. His irritability increasing with each passing second. He had spent all morning keeping an eye on the leopard watching him pace up and down in his cage showing his usual contempt towards the visitors. Sometimes he felt he had more in common with the caged leopard than the people he worked with. What a job it was, cleaning out cages, fetching water and food and following orders barked at him by his many superiors. He was glad he'd found solace under the white oak. Here he could dream of life by the sea. Spending the days surfing and the nights clubbing. Of course, money would never be a problem, not once the deal went through. Gazing back at the leopard, his ticket to a carefree life.

***

It was early evening when Gini finally finished. Short staffed as always, she was busier than ever. Not that she ever complained, she liked her job. Opening up the lunch, she wanted to eat hours ago, throwing crumbs at the little field mouse, who seemed to find her no matter where she was. Acey found this particular two-legged affable. There was something about her nature that he trusted. He moved closer before a thundering roar stopped him in his tracks, too frightened to move, he was frozen motionless. "It's alright little mouse, don't be frightened." Gini placed the little mouse on top of the haystack before retreating into the office. Acey opened his eyes to find the blue skies had turned grey, the breeze was now a gust and cold consumed the air. The rains had finally arrived. Acey jumped onto the floor only to be grabbed by the tail and hung upside down - it was Don. “Hello there mate, where you going off to then? I need you to keep my pet snake company, only temporarily mind.” The sinister laugh that followed sent a chill through the little mouse’s spine as the van door shut.

Chapter Two 

Zareb remained still, listening, watching and waiting. All he needed was one chance, as soon as the cage door opened, this was his cue. Where was Acey? There was a sudden rustle of footsteps behind the cage, Zareb couldn’t see but his senses told him to be alert. He began pacing again until he saw the two-legged ones approaching. Zareb moved to the back of the cage, crouching down low, his heart racing and his eyes fixed on the cage door. Slowly it began to open, the gap getting wider, he charged with all his might, overthrowing the two-legged. He was free, running blindly from the chaos into the safety of the wooded area. Not 4 daring to stop until all he could hear is the gentle rushing of the water, stopping briefly to drink. Looking behind him, he couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling of being watched. Gini couldn’t decide whom she was more cross at, the keepers who failed to follow protocol in transferring the leopard or at herself. She could only imagine how frightened Zareb would be. She ran to the Land Rover, the tyres screeching as the driver and one of the keepers drove into the woodland, the chase was on. Wild with anticipation, Gini's eyes desperately searching and hoping that the leopard would make it back home.

Acey could hear nothing; the silence frightened him more than the roar of the van engine. He wasn’t sure but guessed the new dawn had risen. The night was cold and lonely and he was hungry, very hungry. The sound of footsteps approaching the van made his heart race faster. Sure enough, the engine started and Acey was left wondering at his fate. A tiny gap revealed Don on what Simon the swallow had told him was a phone. Mainly used for talking and judging the harsh tones, the conversation was intense. Acey deducted he was being taken to keep the snake company!

The chase got faster, the leopard chased on ahead, but the vehicle gained speed. Zareb’s eyes scanning for a place to hide, darting to avoid the huge net. It was too late, the net shrouded him like a veil, he felt his legs give way as the net became tighter. All Zareb could hear was the sound of his own anger and disappointment. He knew all too well the smell of poachers. He was still panting for breath as the cage door closed, unable to watch he closed his eyes. It was over; he’d never get another chance. He had to resign himself to living in a cage for the rest of his life. Acey moved closer to the box, balancing on his hind legs, sniffing the air. It was unmistakable; he’d recognise that cat smell anywhere. “Zareb, Zareb my mate - that you?” He fell silent praying for an answer. “Zareb it’s me Acey.”
Answered by silence.
 “HEY SPOTSSSS!”
“Acey?” Zareb’s felt his spirits rise all at once.
 “I knew it was you spots. What happened? How did you...”
“I ran for all the good it’s done me.”
The movement of the van made Zareb feel sick. “Look at me destined to be the victim of poachers forever.” “It’s Don from the zoo. I heard him talking. He probably has a buyer, an exotic animal collector, that’s probably where we’re going now.”
A sudden cloud of sorrow descended leaving rodent and the big cat speechless, knowing all too well the fate that awaited them.

 Chapter three 

Gini was glad they didn’t find the leopard at least he was free. She only hoped he’d be okay. Unable to communicate this amidst the rumours of Don’s disappearance and avoiding intrusive questions from the gathering press. Gini knew she’d made the right decision. The journey seemed long. The doors opened to reveal a flying machine. Zareb didn’t have to be told, he knew he was going to be taken far away and he’d never see his family again. “Spots, I mean Zareb, bite them, scratch at them - get up, DON'T just sit there.” Acey fell out of the box onto the floor narrowly avoiding being trodden. “Zareb?”
He watched as his friend was taken away, his heart heavy, a single tear fell onto his little cheek, wondering if he’d ever see his friend again. “Goodbye spots” he whispered as the doors closed on the flying machine ascending like a bird into the night sky.
Zareb managed to drink, though cared little for the food. The sound of the flying machine numbed his senses but he could swear he heard.... “Zareb?” He heard it again. “Acey is that you?”
 “Acey? No it’s me Badru.”
 Looking up Zareb was overjoyed to see the Meerkat. All at once, he seemed to be surrounded by lots of Meerkats. “What are you all doing here?”
 “We ran away, same as you. Isn’t it great?” The laughter was short lived as the flying machine descended jolting to a standstill. Overcome by anger, Zareb was ready to tear are his captures. He didn’t care where he was, no man would be his master. As the doors opened the Meerkats rushed out, leaving the two-legged ones confused. Zareb stood up, smelling the air. It had been a long time but there was no mistaking it. It was Africa and he was home.
“Delivered as promised and on time Sir, your special delivery.”
The cage doors opened, Zareb needed no invitation, bolting across the Sub-Saharan terrain, charging faster and faster never looking back.
 Acey recanted the tale of Zareb’s bravery it gave the animals hope. He visited the zoo everyday, feeling sad whenever he passed Zareb’s cage. “Good Morning Acey.” The mouse stood still in his tracks. “Simon, got a message for you. It’s from your friend. He wants you to know, he’s the proud father of three cubs, the eldest he named after you.” Acey overjoyed scuttled towards the swallow. “You mean...”
“Yes thanks to a helping hand.” Gesturing towards Gini. “Zareb made it home.”

Although sadly the story wasn't selected for the book, the message does say that animals belong in the wild, not in zoos and is very well-written. The young author did have her drawing included in the book ... shown below:

About the Author

Khairun-Nisaa Ahmed is in her final year at Manor High

School in the East Midlands. She first became interested

in writing through the English Literature lessons in school.

Since then she has created a great many characters who

have gone on many quests and she is hopeful that she will

become a published author one day. She aspires to be like the

characters that she writes about and would like to travel to

lots of different countries, including Africa. As a future career

she either wants to study to become a vet or a palaeontologist.

She is looking forward to the new academic year when she

starts college (no uniform - yeah). In the meantime, she has

taken up lots of hobbies such as collecting sea glass, seashells

and even unusual shaped pebbles which she keeps in a vanity

case that she and her mother decorated with memorable

knick-knacks, so they all have a story behind them.

At the moment she is working on Shoujo Art Studio

to create her own Manga comics. She can’t wait until the

holidays because her mother has promised to take her on a

beach holiday.

Finally, she hopes to write more stories and draw more

pictures for Paws n Claws in the future.

By 

Khairun-Nisaa Ahmed (Years 7 and 8)

Wild n Free You Tube

I'm hoping it isn't a problem I've used the Born Free song here, but this is a charity book and the song is perfect for it ... enjoy and share ...

More stories coming later this week ...

We've not forgotten about the Blog, just lots of things happening. Look out for the little bit about the book and the next competition in this month's Writer's Forum Magazine, out now ... WHSmith or Tescos usually have a copy!

More Blogging soon ... Please review the book on Amazon if you have a copy!

Alex Cumming, Thomas Bailey, Daniel Maltz

Three of our young authors

Why write these stories? Miranda's story excerpt (Winner)

I will be posting more of the stories that didn't get into this book over the weeks, but I will post an excerpt of one of the winner's stories this afternoon to showcase just how good these are.

People might well ask why I wanted to do this, why I want animal stories and why the same theme again for the next competition. I'll tell you why.

Creative writing is a way to escape. It lets you explore other worlds through the eyes of others. And so it helps us to be less narrow-minded about the world we live in. We learn be to empathetic. And this means any story. Write as a prisoner on death row, imagine you're an African slave, you're blind ... how different the world is. And please do explore this in your writing.

But I set up Paws because I have always had a passion for animals and as a child my writing was always in the head of animals. And I identified a need for us to change our thinking about how we treat animals, more so perhaps than how we treat other humans. And because of my involvement with The Born Free Foundation I felt more than ever this competition is a great way to explore the emotional lives of animals and to raise awareness, make us ask questions about how we treat animals and what we might do to help stop some of the cruel things we do to animals.

And I am so proud of this little book.

So why do the same theme again ... because it needs to be said.
There are so so so many different animals on the planet, there are millions of stories to tell. Yes the first Wild n Free book has some familiar wild animals like lions, tigers, horses, panthers, foxes, hares, it also has some more unusual ones like Nepalese wild cars, ring-tailed lemurs, voles, zorses ... and for the next book I want to see more ... snakes, bats, birds (we need some birds!), unusual animals so we can teach people about them ... with so much to choose from we'll never run out that's for sure! And I want to learn. And you can learn researching!

So I hope you tell everyone you know about this book and the competition.

So want to read something ... okay, here goes ...

Winner of Years 5 and 6: Miranda Lee

The Panther That Called A Poacher A Friend

The panther picks out a strange smell and investigates.

He’s cautious at first as he knows poachers have been

nearby and is scared of traps. He doesn’t want to be

injured. If he can’t hunt, he can’t feed. He finds a strange

thing in the roots of an old tree. It’s shiny, smooth, harder

than rock and doesn’t move.

It’s not prey.

It’s a jewel, but he doesn’t have the human word for it

yet. He bats it with a paw.

Suddenly he feels his body changing.

His face becomes flatter, his shoulders and spine pull

upright, his back legs lengthen, his front paws develop

opposable thumbs. He shakes and his fur slides off as

if he’s shaking off water. He doesn’t feel pain, but feels

different. He is muscular and graceful in movement. Two

legs and only having faint hairs on his skin feels odd. So

do the things he can feel against his skin, like skin but

not part of his skin. Later he learns he is wearing a tee

shirt and jeans, has coal-black hair and amber eyes. His

skin is the colour of sun-bleached mud. He goes back to

his cave for shelter. He’d eaten on the day he changed so

doesn’t feel hungry. Not yet.

Later he comes across the camp of humans. One takes

pity on him and offers food. Cooked meat still tastes

like meat, but he avoids the green stuff the humans eat

as well. The human talks to him but he doesn’t really

listen as he’s distracted by the smell. This human smells

like the poacher. He thinks this human is the poacher so

asks about hunting. The poacher tells him they hunt to

eat and kill other predators because they kill the animals

they keep for food. He thinks about this. He only kills

to eat...   

You have to buy the book to see how the story ends!

About the author

Miranda Lee started watching Big Cat Diary when she was
nine months old because Mum was bored of looking at a
cat picture book and started flicking through TV channels.
Miranda has adopted big cats, including a lioness through
Born Free. A daughter of two poets, she wants to be an
inventor when she grows up, but might consider being a
writer as well because writers invent stories. Miranda lives in
Leicester with her mum and cat, Honey, and goes to Fernvale
Primary School.

The Poacher that called a Panther a Friend is dedicated to

Dad, who passed away last year.

Miranda's artwork:

Buy it on Amazon as a paper book: LINK

For Kindle ... LINK 2

And remember you can help real animals as the royalties go to The Born Free Foundation

We need more followers so do share this BLOG!!!

Debz :)

Excerpts n stuff

Over the weekend I'll be posting some excerpts of the winning stories and then some of the others by children that didn't get into the book but are fun  - next week ...

A picture by one of the authors who's pics are dotted throughout the book, Charlotte Ash, she was also runner-up in the Years 5 and 6 category.

Humbled

What a lovely day I had at the Hay Festival yesterday, even in the rain.
In the morning I saw Francis Ashcroft lecturing about physiology and her new book called The Spark of Life, it was a biology lesson and since I have worked in science for most of my life before being a full time writer it was fab.

I'd seen Kate Humble from BBC Springwatch standing by the gates just inside Hay in the morning and was dying to tell her all about Wild n Free but it didn't seem like the right moment. I had tickets for her afternoon talk anyway. Then later I saw she was supposed to be in the Telegraph hut they have there but again there were so many people. So I contented myself thinking I would not get the chance as there would be so many people at her talk and I didn't want to line up for ages to get a book signed.

Well then we had what they call a touch of serendipity. I was finishing my White Chocolate Mocha (yum by the way! And in capitals because I mean it was yum!) when I overheard someone saying she was at the RSPB stand. Hmm me thought. So off I went and there she was. So I waited for her to be free and then talked to her about the book, even gave her my thumbed through copy as I had no spares on me, and ... and this is the best bit, I asked her how she would feel about being one of the final judges next year, and knock me over with a buzzard primary feather ... she said yes!

So I am now delighted to announce ... and you heard it here first ... the final judges for the next Paws Animal Writing Competition are ....

Daniel Blythe ...  WEBSITE

Gill Lewis ... WEBSITE

And Kate Humble ... WEBSITE

The next competition opens on September 17th ... sign up for the newsletter on the Paws Website so you don't miss out!  Paws website: NEWSLETTER

This is a fab book by the way!

All things wild n wonderful ...

I have been talking to people about the Wild n Free book at the Hay Festival this week! I don't mean I was a guest with my own event (not this this time) but I handed out my postcards and talked to children about the next competition. I also went to Daniel Blythe's event who writes for Dr.Who and has a new book out called Shadow Runners, with the big children's publisher Chicken House ... so children do check it out.

And the good news is he is one of the judges next year in the next Paws Competition!

Take a look: LINK

It's all good... more drawings later in the week!

Martin Meerkat by Sadia Nowshin

Although Sadia's story was not selected for the Wild n Free book, it still has a very important message about animals belonging the wild... enjoy

Martin Meerkat





by Sadia Nowshin (aged 13)

Martin looked sadly at the stalk of the berry he had been meaning to eat. Looking back at Mark and the rest of the meerkat bullies, he sighed, this is always going to happen if you don‟t learn to stand up for yourself, Martin! he thought to himself. Once again, Martin had had his snack cruelly snatched away from him. Sighing again, Martin went back to his home.
         “Hello Martin!” Uncle Mick said cheerfully as he entered the house. Martin simply nodded in reply. He was still a bit upset over his stolen berry.
         “Was it that menace Mark again? “ Martin's mum asked softly. 
           Martin sadly nodded. Uncle Mick got up to his feet, and Martin knew what was coming.
          “You know, if your dad was here, he'd give that Mark a good pounding! Monty was't afraid of anything, not even the starving coyotes! Have I ever told you about the time when...”
          “Yes, yes, the time when Dad fended off a hound of coyotes armed only with a twig. You‟ve told me a million times,” Marin said. He couldn't help being a bit snappy, it was just that Uncle Mick was always going on about his dad. Martin dad, Monty Meerkat, had walked out to find a source of water when there was a drought where he lived. But then, he'd never been seen again. Martin had only been a pup, but his uncle Mick was always telling him stories about the heroic antics of his dad. One of the reasons that Mark bullied Martin was because of the fact that Martin was nowhere as adventurous as his dad had been. Martin hated it when people compared him to his dad, especially as he'd never even met him properly.
         “Well, I'm off to bed then. Night,” Martin said to his mum and his uncle, before climbing into his bedroom. As he lay on his bed of dead leaves, Martin wondered what his father would be like in person. Would he be funny and kind, or would he be snappy and dry? And the big question, what would he think of Martin? With his head filled with thoughts of his long-lost dad, Martin drifted into sleep.


A month later, and Martin was off to the watering hole to collect water. The watering hole was on the edge of his territory, and no-one had ever gone beyond that watering hole. Except for his dad. Standing in line, waiting for his turn to fill up, Martin daydreamed. Suddenly, the people in front of him started to mutter excitedly. Martin wondered what was going on. Out of nowhere, a strange buzz had started in the watering hole. Straining his neck, Martin realised that there was no way he could see what was happening, there were far too many adults in front of him, all of them blocking his view. Frustrated, Martin tried to listen intently instead, but there were too many people talking at once. Finally giving up, he tapped the meerkat in front of him.
        “What‟s going on?” Martin asked him.
         “He's back! Monty‟s back!” the adult told him, clearly very excited.
          Shocked, Martin didn't react. His dad was back? 
          Suddenly, his day-dreamed fantasies seemed very real. Hoping nobody would notice him, he started to creep away very slowly and very quietly. He was out of luck.
         “HEY, MONTY‟S BOY IS HERE TOO! GET OVER THERE KID!” someone shouted from the top of a tree. Martin froze and grimaced to himself. This was NOT how he had wanted to meet his dad! Standing up straight, he turned to face the watering hole again.
        “Hey, Son.” A deep, gruff voice came from the very front of the watering hole. Slowly, Martin walked towards his dad. He still couldn‟t see him, but gradually, the crowd parted. A young-ish, handsome, muscly, tanned meerkat stood facing him.
        “Hi Dad,” Martin said. And every animal standing near the watering hole applauded and cheered.


Back at home, Monty was explaining to his family how he'd travelled to a foreign place, named  "The Zoo". He said it was horrific, all these poor, defenceless animals cooped up in cages, with strange beings called "hoo-muns" shouting and staring at them all day, every day. Monty then explained that he had nearly been captured by a hoo-mun, and so he'd fled. And eventually, he'd ended up here, back home.
       As Monty finished his story, Martin's mum and Uncle Mick had tears in their eyes.
      Then Monty turned to his son.“Martin, you must think I'm terrible, leaving your mother alone to bring you up, and then turning up suddenly. I'm sorry, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and accept me again as your father.
       Martin then looked into the brown eyes of his father, smiled, and then hugged him.
      Martin bonded beautifully with his father, and they always went on little adventures. Mark and the rest of the bullies respected Martin now, and stayed well away from him, as they were afraid he'd tell his dad to beat them up. So, in the end, Martin's fantasies about his father turned into reality, and the gap in Martin's perfect family was filled.




About our young author
Sadia spends most her time listening to music, screaming whenever One Direction is mentioned, and tending to her imaginary chickens, Betty and Hooper. 

Having something to say...

I met with Lauren St. John, well known writer, and one of the judges from the Wild n Free book at her event at the Hay on Wye Literary Festival yesterday, albeit rather quickly at the end of her event to pass over her copy of the book. But what was great was the way she talked at the event about her life as a writer and growing up in Africa.

It was her experiences with wild animals that really cemented her life-long love of them and the successful career she has carved out as a writer, who's love for all things wild comes across so well in all her books. If you've not ready any of her books I recommend that you take a look at her collection ... SOME OF HER BOOKS

Lauren is now an ambassador for The Born Free Foundation and she was invited recently to Turkey with Helen Worth (who play Gail) from Coronation Street and Virginia McKenna to complete the final stage in the release of 2 wild dolphins that had been rescued from a terrible dolphinarium 18 months before and it had taken all of that time to to make them well enough.

She hilighted some important issues about places like that and places like Sea World that offer real encounters with dolphins and the chance to swim with them. If you can't swim with them properly in the wild, not part of some business you pay for, then she urges: DON'T.

When these beautiful creatures were released, I had tears in my eyes when Lauren talked about, how after all those years in captivity, 8 years or more, as soon as those dolphins were free they headed the many miles back home. I knew where home was, where their families were and they were tracked going to that very place.
This really hilights an important issue, animals don't forget. Nor to they belong in captivity. They should be FREE.

Lauren also talked about animals in zoos and wildlife parks and how these animals often have a miserable existance. Even if you think a zoo is a 'better zoo' the animals are still not free and they are there for no other reason than for you and I to see them. No thanks. I'd rather live my whole life and NEVER see a tiger up close than see one behind bars.

As Lauren points out, with humans we incarcerate the very worst people in society, yet we do it without thinking to animals.

Her point on animals in 'better' zoos was something I also heard Virginia McKenna say 2 years ago at Hay. She said imagine if you were taken away from your family and your freedom was taken. Even if they put you in a luxury hotel with everything you could ever want (and for zoo animals that is not the case) but you could never leave; they controlled what you eat, when you eat it, even who you have a baby with ... how can that possibly compare to being free?
I ask you to ponder that point.
Animals belong in the wild and this book of ours really shows that by exploring the emotional lives of wild animals. The children got that. And I am so proud.

I hope what Lauren said makes those children think. In fact as she talked about those dolphins after a spray of raised hands of children who said they wanted to swim with dolphins, a dawning realisation that perhaps they didn't unless they were really wild dolphins. And when she said that dolphins in places like Sea World only perform because they're drugged or starved and do it to be fed ... I saw their young faces change.

We would all do well to think again.

Drawing by the author of the story Spirit and the cover artist of the Wild n Free Book

Wolf Art

by Alex Cumming

by Charlotte Ash

by Neelai Patel

by Hannah Probyn-Duncan

A Bee's Tale

The first of the stories that did not get into the book but you can still read it here! So did you guess right about it being a bee?

A Bee’s Tale By Chloe Smith 

 “What about here?”
 It was only lunch time, and already there was huge chaos exploding around him. A picnic. Honestly, couldn’t he pollinate at least one flower before the humans poked their noses in? It was quite a small family picnic, only a grown-up and a little girl. But that was enough. They had to set up their picnic right next to him too, didn’t they? They knew he couldn’t resist those things they call cheese sandwiches. He had to fly out of here, and fast. Before... 


“BEE! MOMMY IT’S A BEE! GET IT AWAY!” the girl suddenly started shrieking; pointing her podgy fingers in his direction. “AHHHHHHHHHHHH! MOMMY HELP! ITS GOING TO STING ME!” 


 Why would he sting her? He wouldn’t waste his only sting on a little girl! It was a self-defence mechanism! AND he would die if he used it! Honestly! But the little girl still wouldn’t realise that, and carried on screaming. 


 “MOOOOOOOOOMMY! IT’S GOING TO STING ME! HEEEELP! MOMMYYY!” 


 It had obviously slipped the girl's mind that for him to sting her, he had to be close to her, he had to have landed on her, in fact. Which he had no intention of doing after she screamed at him like that. 


 “Okay sweetie, it’s okay, Mommy will get rid of it. Hush now.” The grown-up cradled the girl in her arms, trying to sooth her screams. 


 He decided it was time to go, before the grown-up got any closer. He rose into the sky, his small wings beating faster and faster until the still screaming girl and her grown-up where far below him. He sighed. When would people realise that he wouldn’t hurt them unless they were a threat to him? Just because he had a sting, doesn’t mean he will use it at any given opportunity! It’s like one of those humans, if they had a water pistol, would they fire it at everyone? Wait... Best not answer that. 


 His point was, he thought, as he flew higher and higher, in search of a few more flowers, that just because he had something that could hurt people, he wasn’t a automatic evil-doer, and that people jump to conclusions far too much these days. Far too many a bee had died because a few humans had been scared of them. He wished he could tell people about this, and explain to the humans. But how could he? He was only a bee, after all. 


 And he really, really, didn’t want to get hit with a rolled up papery thing with words on. He sighed. Humans will just never understand us bees. “I guess that’s just always how it’s going to bee… Get it? Bee? Be?” he buzzed aloud. He chuckled at his own joke, as a cricket below him started chirping, emphasising the silence. “Alright! Alright!” he buzzed in annoyance. Smiling slightly, he buzzed a happy tune as he flew off, spotting the perfect flower nearby. Maybe one day they will learn to like him. But until then he would just have to keep away from picnics! 


 Author Bio: Chloe is a teenager who you can usually find on wheels (as unfortunately hover wheelchairs haven't been invented yet) around various places, although she lives in England. She has loads of pets! Though most notably she has 3 cats, a labrador and a tank full of fish. She likes animals because they never criticise her writing. She also likes writing. (Though it's not that good). You can find her on her blog, were she writes about books (and generally rambles,) here: http://writer-on-wheels.blogspot.co.uk/ She thinks it'd be cool if you'd say hi, and she won't bite (Though unfortunately she can't promise). You can usually find her reading, writing or travelling space and time with a madman with a box.

Art Gallery

Well it's been a busy weekend with the launch of this special book and we had a virtual party on Facebook last night! Great fun! I wanted to share some of the pictures from the book, as these are in grayscale in the book and they really deserve to be in colour ... before I do I will be posting a story on tomorrow's Blog by one of the young writers who didn't get in the book this time but will be trying again she tells me ... clue to the animal she wrote about ... you'll be buzzing by the time you've read it ... Until then enjoy the gallery ... Emily Wootton Fleur

Miranda Lee Panther

Charlotte Ash Horse

Marged Enlli Shakespear Huws Turtle

Hannah Probyn-Duncan Dolphin

It's LAUNCH DAY! Wild n Free is officially launched and you are invited to the Facebook Party tonight between 6.30 and 7 to say hi: Here's the link! LAUNCH PARTY! To get us going I am going to post some of the drawings from the book in a special launch gallery throughout the day tomorrow and the first of the stories that didn't get into the book but still deserves to be read will be posted here, SUNDAY! Who will be first ... hmmm .... So watch out it's all happening. I will be at the Hay Festival next week so will Blog updates from there! The first of the drawings coming up ... The Wild n Free Gallery 'Tiger' by Charlotte Ash

'Leopard' by Morgan Joy Ashby

'Zorse' by Jessica Cooper

Another News article

Check this out! LINK

Kindle Version out now!

One day ahead of the official launch of this great little book, it is now available to download to Kindle. This book raises money and funds for the Born Free Foundation. Please tell everyone you know! Paperback version available tomorrow JUNE 01! Extracts of some of the stories coming soon as I Blog from The Hay Festival and some of the other stories ... all starts this weekend! Buy now! KINDLE

Newspaper article 2 (Hannah Probyn-Duncan)

Take a look at this too! LINK

Newspaper article 1 (Miranda Lee)

Take a look at this: LINK

Book out June 01 2012!

This is the first post on our new Blog for young writers and readers. Wild n Free is a special collection, written and illustrated by children. All royalties from the book sales help real wild animals through the Born Free Foundation. Of the close to 100 entries in the first competition, 28 will be published in this book and some excerpts here on the Blog. And many of those that did not get into the book will be posted here in their entirety! The next competition opens September 17th 2012 and if you'll be in Year 5 -11 you too could be published in the next book! Check out the website and sign up for the Paws Newsletter so you don't miss out. All the stories have to be about wild animals and there are tips and tricks on the website :) WEBSITE Sign up to follow this Blog, also visit our Facebook Page and Follow us on Twitter! Do comment and tell us about wild animals, share your stories! Enjoy! Debz