If you are still searching for a last-minute stocking-filler, RSPCA South London think they have got just the thing for any young animal lovers in your life.
Cover story: it’s a book about a boy and a bucket
The branch, with fund-raising charity shops in Croydon, Crystal Palace and Tooting, has published a quirky work of junior fiction, The Life & Times of Mr Bartholomew Bucket, written by branch chairman Will Linsdell.
Lindsdell says that he hopes the book, aimed at children aged between eight and 12, but also young-at-heart adults, will inspire interest in animal welfare issues.
The large-size book has been illustrated by Dr Chris Michaels, and tells the story of, it says in a press release “a magical bucket that has senses and a subliminal connection with its teenaged owner Jack”.
Lindsdell says his story, which is set in the late 1960s, maintains an animal welfare theme throughout, and is all about “forging bonds of friendship and finding love with a few amusing mishaps along the way”.
He said: “We wanted to make a children’s book and one that appealed to younger readers because they are the pet owners of the future.
“It’s about relationships and overcoming hardship. As well as its animal welfare message there is a nostalgic slant to it.
“The story starts off in grimy east London in an era of post-war struggle when there is little in the way of modern conveniences and the country is being rebuilt – so it’s a time with which many of our target readers will not be that familiar.
Bucket book author: Will LIndsell is the chair of the RSPCA’ South London branch
“The story then moves on to life on an environmentally-friendly farm in rural Suffolk. It is a real entertaining and educational yarn for young readers.”
“The story then moves on to life on an environmentally-friendly farm in rural Suffolk. It is a real entertaining and educational yarn for young readers.”
Lindsell added: “If young readers would like to find out how a bucket can possibly be the central character of a book, then they should buy this book and at the same time they will be helping fund the vital animal welfare work carried out across what is a large and demanding urban area covered by the South London Branch.”
The Life & Times of Mr Bartholomew Bucket is available at Amazon, either as a large paperback or e-book format (£15 paperback, £4.99 Kindle edition). It can also be bought in the branch’s three shops.
All profits from the sale of the book will go to fund the work of RSPCA South London.
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