Sitka Spruce A New Edition for Ireland

New Children’s Forestry Book  Reaches Every Primary School in Ireland             

Our children’s audio/picture storybook ‘Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree’ has been launched today in Ireland with a brand-new publication for 2026 and is being delivered to every primary school on the island of Ireland.

By working with the Irish Timber Council, The Society of Irish Foresters and the Social, Economic, Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA), we have adapted our storybook and launched a fabulous new edition.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sitka spruce is the most important commercial, environmental and social tree species in Ireland. It is also said to be the most misunderstood – this initiative hopes to readdress this by bringing some clarity and much needed education to all, especially children.

Let’s hear from our three amazing sponsors who have made this happen:

“Sitka is a major species in Ireland’s Climate Action Plan especially in construction and energy where it displaces fossil based materials. It is also a key recreational species since Ireland adopted an open forest policy in the 1970s. Most of the annual 29 million visits to Irish forests are to Sitka spruce dominated recreation sites.”

“This book helps to educate children on the fact that Sitka really should be celebrated as it’s done so much, and continues to be a vital resource for us all.”

 Joe Codd, PRO for the Society of Irish Foresters

“The book outlines how Sitka spruce is a vital tree in helping Ireland achieve carbon neutrality but also acknowledges its role in a balanced forestry programme alongside native, naturalised and exotic tree species. Sitka is often depicted as the only species in Irish forestry. While dominant, the current forest estate – public and private – comprises 45% Sitka, 16% diverse conifers, 24% native species, 4% non-native broadleaves and 11% mainly open biodiverse forest areas.”

“We are delighted to be bringing the Irish Edition of this wonderful children’s book to our communities, and we’re so looking forward to engaging with you all.”

Teige Ryan, PRO for SEEFA

“There are major challenges in Irish forestry including the management of Sitka spruce in sustainable landscape and ecosystem development. This book will help students better understand how Sitka spruce can shape Ireland’s landscape and how forestry – commercial and non-commercial – connects to science, geography, history, and the environment.”

 “Taking this discussion into the classrooms of young children is vital to engage everyone to think about the resource of timber, past, present and future. We all need timber and no wonder it has the title of being one of the best resources in the world – it is!”

Niall Grainger representing the Irish Timber Council

Our storybook, which includes the audio tracks, will be a useful educational resource for the schools that will encourage debate and discussions on the very topic of sustainable forestry – a major resource in twenty first century for sustainable living.

The story of our story..

Originally commissioned in 2024 by Morgan Sindall Construction, Tales from Mother Earth created this book to showcase the importance of timber as a truly renewable material.

Sitka spruce, the leading species used in forestry across Ireland and the UK, is celebrated not only for its remarkable growth rate but also for producing strong, straight, high-quality timber.

Our aim was to help children understand and appreciate this incredible natural resource—how it can be reused and recycled within the construction industry, and the vital role it plays in shaping a more sustainable built environment for the future.

Since its launch in 2024, the storybook has been translated into Welsh, with both English and Welsh editions now distributed to every primary school in Wales. Copies have also been shared with primary schools across Scotland.

We’re grateful to everyone who has supported this initiative. It’s incredibly rewarding to see young readers learning about the timber industry, the importance of sustainability and conservation, and the outstanding work being carried out across the sector.

🌲We invite you to take a few minutes to watch the tale come alive from the pages of our storybook, where words, pictures and music all come together. Here’s the link – scroll down and enjoy..

/by

Bandit the Blue Tit Storybook | New Release for Kids

Meet Bandit the Blue Tit – Our New Children’s Storybook!

We’re thrilled to announce the release this year of our Bandit the Blue Tit storybook! This enchanting children’s wildlife tale is designed for kids aged 3–10 and is packed with adventure, beautiful illustrations, interactive colouring pages, and downloadable audio tracks.

With Bandit, children can explore the world of nature, learn about British wildlife, and discover the joy of storytelling in a fun and educational way.

About Bandit the Blue Tit

Bandit and his partner Willow are looking for a home to raise their brood of chicks after their first nest site is destroyed by a bad storm. They luckily find an empty nest box and the story unfolds, much like what is actually happening right now in gardens across the land as the nesting season continues. Through our adventures, children learn about caring for wildlife, protecting their environment, and making a positive impact on the world around them.

        

Why a Blue Tit?

Blue tits are iconic garden birds in the UK, known for their bright feathers and playful behaviour. Bandit and his partner Willow, bring these traits to life, helping children connect with real-life wildlife while enjoying an engaging and meaningful story.

Supported By / Special Thanks

We are delighted to acknowledge the incredible support from experts who helped enhance the Bandit the Blue Tit storybook with their knowledge and insights. Their contributions have made the story richer, more accurate, and even more engaging for children.

A huge thank you to:

Their expertise ensures that Bandit the Blue Tit is not only fun and entertaining but also educational and scientifically informed.

Learning Through Play

Our storybooks combine fun with education. Children can:

  • Learn about British wildlife and garden conservation
  • Develop environmental awareness and responsibility from a young age
  • Follow the actions/messages to bring new life into their gardens and green spaces
  • Improve literacy and listening skills while following the audio story
  • Express creativity through colouring and drawing activities

By engaging with Bandit’s story, children gain knowledge about nature while enjoying a playful, interactive experience.

Order a copy of Bandit the Blue Tit Storybook today!

Don’t miss out! Order your copy of Bandit the Blue Tit storybook today and give your child a magical journey into the world of British wildlife.

Why You’ll Love Bandit

Parents, teachers, and children love our storybooks because they combine entertaining storytelling with important educational messages. Bandit helps children connect with nature, develop creativity, and understand wildlife conservation in a fun and age-appropriate way.

For enquiries or bulk orders for schools, contact us at Hello@talesfrommotherearth.co.uk

/by

How to Teach Children About Conservation at Home

A gentle, practical guide for families who want to raise children who love and protect our planet.

In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, many parents are asking an important question:

How can I teach my child to care about nature — without frightening them about the future?

The answer is simpler and more hopeful than we might think.

Conservation doesn’t begin with statistics.
It begins with connection.

When children form a loving relationship with the natural world — with birds in the garden, bees in the hedgerow, foxes in the twilight — protecting it becomes instinctive.

At Tales from Mother Earth, we believe that nurturing this connection in early childhood is one of the most powerful gifts we can give. 

Here’s how you can gently teach conservation at home, in ways that feel joyful rather than heavy.

1. Begin With Wonder, Not Worry

Children aged 3–10 are naturally curious. They notice ants crossing pavements. They stop for feathers. They ask why the moon follows the car home.

Conservation education should begin there — with wonder.

Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong in the world, start by helping your child notice what is beautiful and alive around them:

  • The sound of birdsong in the morning

  • The changing colours of leaves

  • A spider’s web sparkling with dew

  • The hum of a bumblebee

When children fall in love with nature, protecting it becomes a natural extension of that love.

Hope is far more motivating than fear.

2. Use Storytelling to Build Emotional Connection

Facts inform.
Stories transform.

One of the most powerful ways to teach children about conservation is through storytelling. Realistic animal stories allow children to step into the world of wildlife — to feel what it might be like to be small in a vast landscape, or to depend on clean water and safe habitats.

Through gentle storytelling, children learn:

  • That animals have homes too

  • That habitats can be fragile

  • That small actions can make a difference

  • That humans are part of nature, not separate from it

Stories create empathy — and empathy is the foundation of conservation.

When a child cares about a hedgehog, a robin or a woodland mouse, conservation becomes personal rather than abstract.

3. Make Conservation Part of Everyday Life

You don’t need grand gestures to raise an eco-conscious child. Conservation education can quietly weave into daily routines.

Simple Everyday Practices

Recycling Together
Explain why materials can be reused. Let children help sort paper, plastic and glass.

Saving Water
Turn off the tap while brushing teeth and explain how water supports rivers, fish and wildlife.

Reducing Waste
Choose reusable lunch containers. Repair toys when possible. Model thoughtful consumption.

Energy Awareness
Switch off lights together and talk about how saving energy helps protect habitats.

These moments don’t require long lectures. Gentle explanations and consistency are enough.

Children learn far more from what we model than what we say.

4. Grow Something — However Small

One of the most meaningful conservation lessons happens when a child cares for something living.

You don’t need a large garden. A windowsill will do.

Try:

  • Planting herbs in small pots

  • Growing wildflowers for pollinators

  • Planting sunflower seeds

  • Creating a small wildlife corner outdoors

When children water plants and watch them grow, they learn:

  • Living things need care

  • Growth takes time

  • Nature responds to kindness

Tending something living fosters responsibility in a way no worksheet ever could.

5. Explore Local Nature Regularly

Conservation starts close to home.

Frequent visits to nearby green spaces — however small — help children see that nature is not somewhere “far away.”

It’s here.

Walk slowly. Notice small details. Ask open questions:

  • Why do you think that tree has rough bark?

  • What do you think lives under that log?

  • Why might bees like those flowers?

Encourage observation rather than rushing.

Children who regularly experience outdoor environments develop stronger emotional bonds with the natural world — and those bonds shape lifelong attitudes.

6. Keep Conversations Hopeful and Age-Appropriate

Children do not need alarming statistics about climate change or extinction rates.

They need:

  • Reassurance

  • Empowerment

  • Practical actions

If your child asks about endangered animals, keep explanations gentle:

“Some animals need a little extra help because their homes are changing. Lots of people are working very hard to protect them.”

This balance matters. We want children to feel capable, not helpless.

Conservation education in early childhood should nurture courage and compassion — not anxiety.

7. Encourage Curiosity About Wildlife

Curiosity is the doorway to care.

If your child shows interest in a particular animal, follow it:

  • Read about it together

  • Listen to stories about it

  • Watch it respectfully in nature

  • Draw or paint it

Children often go through phases — foxes one month, butterflies the next. These fascinations are powerful learning opportunities.

By supporting their interests, you deepen connection.

8. Limit Screens and Encourage Imaginative Listening

In a fast-paced digital world, quiet listening is becoming rare.

Screen-free audio storytelling offers a gentle alternative. Listening to nature-based stories allows children to imagine forests, rivers and wild creatures in their own minds.

Unlike visual media, audio invites active participation.

It strengthens:

  • Attention span

  • Emotional understanding

  • Imagination

  • Calmness

And when stories are rooted in the natural world, they subtly reinforce conservation values.

9. Celebrate Small Positive Actions

Conservation can feel like an enormous concept. For children, it should feel manageable.

Celebrate simple achievements:

  • Planting flowers for bees

  • Picking up litter in the park

  • Feeding birds in winter

  • Choosing reusable items

Help your child see that small actions matter.

When children believe their choices make a difference, they grow into adults who continue making thoughtful decisions.

10. Model a Relationship With Nature

Perhaps the most powerful lesson of all is this:

Let your child see you caring.

Let them notice you pausing to admire a sunset.
Let them hear you speak kindly about wildlife.
Let them see you making environmentally conscious choices.

Children absorb attitudes quietly.

When conservation is part of family culture — not a separate lesson — it becomes woven into identity.

Why Teaching Conservation Early Matters

The values formed in early childhood often last a lifetime.

Children who:

  • Feel emotionally connected to nature

  • Understand their place within ecosystems

  • Believe they can contribute positively

are far more likely to grow into adults who act with environmental responsibility. But beyond long-term impact, there is something even more immediate: Children who connect with nature are calmer. Happier. More grounded.

Conservation education is not only about protecting wildlife. It is about nurturing children’s wellbeing too.

A Gentle Final Thought

Teaching children about conservation at home doesn’t require expertise or perfection. – It simply asks us to slow down.

To notice and to nurture wonder.

When children are given stories that honour wildlife, time outdoors to explore, and small ways to care for the world around them, they grow roots — roots of empathy, responsibility and hope.

And from those roots, something powerful grows: A generation that loves the Earth enough to protect it.

Explore our full collection of nature stories for children and ignite the conservationist in them! 

And if you want to get closer to wildlife, then we recommend a trip to The British Wildlife Centre in Surrey who are great friends and who have supported our tales since our very first publication Phoebe the Bee. 

/by

Darcy’s Tale

Darcy’s Tale – The Groundwater Flooding Storybook Project (And How You Can Get a Copy!)

Darcy’s Tale is more than a children’s book — it’s a powerful groundwater flooding education project designed to help young readers understand the changing world around them.

We were delighted to collaborate with Project Groundwater Greater Lincolnshire and the Environment Agency on this inspiring initiative. The project first began as an award-winning short film created by Aardman, before evolving into a beautifully illustrated children’s storybook, officially published in June 2025. And now, you have the opportunity to own your very own Darcy cuddly toy and copy of the book — keep reading to find out how.

A children’s storybook about groundwater flooding

At the heart of Darcy’s Tale is Darcy — a small mole with a big story. While searching for love, Darcy encounters the realities of groundwater flooding, helping children explore this complex environmental issue in a gentle, accessible way.

The story goes beyond flooding awareness. It carries a strong message of:

  • Community spirit

  • Resilience in times of adversity

  • Looking out for one another

  • Environmental responsibility

These themes feel more relevant than ever.

Why groundwater flooding education matters now

Our environment is changing rapidly. Across the UK, severe storms are becoming more frequent and intense. Weather forecasts featuring red, amber and yellow alerts, including warnings to life, are no longer rare occurrences.

With heavier rainfall comes increased risk of groundwater and surface water flooding — a direct consequence of climate change and shifting weather patterns.

That’s why educating children about groundwater flooding is so important. By introducing these topics early, through engaging storytelling, we help young people:

  • Understand environmental risks

  • Build awareness and preparedness

  • Develop resilience

  • Feel empowered rather than afraid

Darcy’s Tale makes this urgent subject age-appropriate, memorable and hopeful.

              

Darcy’s Tale is produced as part of Project Groundwater Greater Lincolnshire, which is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.

What is groundwater flooding?

Groundwater flooding is the lesser known or understood reason for flooding in that, it’s not a river breaking its banks after a deluge of rain. No, groundwater flooding can appear days, weeks or even months after the rain has fallen, causing it to be very unpredictable indeed. Groundwater flooding occurs when the level of water within the rock or soil underground (i.e the water table) rises. Water can  then seep up through the land, up to the surface and break out causing a flood. Groundwater can also overwhelm existing drainage systems and watercourses leading to a lack of capacity for these networks to hold rainwater and thus leading to increased surface water flooding.

Let’s hear from Vicky Jones and Brett Rycroft-Jones Flood Resilience Programme Co-ordinators at Lincolnshire Country Council:

“Flooding can be devastating for communities from all sources and groundwater is especially difficult as it can occur long periods after a rainfall event and can be quite isolating to those whom experience it. Educating children on flooding matters to building future resilience and Darcy’s Tale has been a great way to do this building on the animation with the beautifully created book by TfME. We’re proud to be sponsoring the books rollout on a national scale.”

– Vicky Jones

“It is important for children to learn about flooding and its impact because it builds personal resilience, equips them with life-saving knowledge, and empowers them to become active contributors to their community safety. This education helps mitigate both the immediate physical dangers and the long-term psychological impacts of flood events. Ultimately, teaching children about flooding and Groundwater is an investment in creating safer, more informed, and resilient communities that are better equipped to face future climate challenge”

– Brett Rycroft-Jones

Getting out and about with Darcy’s Tale – raising groundwater flooding awareness in schools

Children across the UK are discovering the powerful message behind Darcy’s Tale — and the movement is growing.

From classrooms to communities, young readers are connecting with Darcy’s Tale, our educational children’s storybook designed to raise awareness of groundwater flooding in a way that is engaging, memorable and age-appropriate. And of course, children absolutely love their cuddly Darcy mole toys — seeing them hug their very own Darcy brings the story to life in the most heartwarming way.

(Don’t miss the special message at the end of this page if you know a child who would love their own Darcy toy and storybook.)

Visiting Heighington Millfield Primary Academy, Lincolnshire

Recently, we had the privilege of visiting Heighington Millfield Primary Academy in Lincolnshire to share Darcy’s Tale with pupils and teachers. It was a particularly poignant visit.

Following Storm Babet in October 2023, groundwater and surface water flooding swept through the school, forcing it to close for a significant period. This community understands the devastating impact of flooding first-hand. Meeting the children who experienced this event was both humbling and inspiring.

Now, just over two years on, the strength, resilience and community spirit within the school shines brighter than ever. Sharing Darcy’s Tale with them — a story that helps children understand groundwater flooding and environmental awareness — was truly an honour.

And yes — cuddly Darcy moles were in very high demand! Every child received their own Darcy toy and a copy of the storybook to take home, helping continue the conversation with families beyond the classroom.

Working together to educate the next generation

In partnership with Lincolnshire County Council and the Environment Agency, a coordinated effort is underway to ensure children across the country are informed, prepared and aware of the risks of groundwater flooding.

By using Darcy’s Tale as an educational tool, we are helping schools introduce important environmental topics in a positive, empowering way — building knowledge, resilience and confidence in young people nationwide.

.

       

Pictures courtesy of Stuart Wilde Photography 

Win a Darcy Mole Toy & Darcy’s Tale Children’s Storybook

Now it’s your turn to bring home your very own Darcy mole and the magical children’s storybook Darcy’s Tale!

We’re giving away a limited number of Darcy mole cuddly toys and copies of our beautifully illustrated storybook to children aged 3–10 years.

How to enter:

  1. Download one of our official Darcy mole colouring sheets from the Lincolnshire Council Project Groundwater website.

  2. Get creative and colour it in!

  3. Email your finished masterpiece to Hello@talesfrommotherearth.co.uk

🎁 Every colouring sheet received wins a Darcy mole toy and a copy of Darcy’s Tale — while stocks last!

Perfect for young readers who love nature stories, cute characters, and creative fun.

Don’t miss out — this is a limited-time giveaway, and once our Darcy moles are gone, they’re gone!

           

           

 

 

/by

Why do we add audio to our storybooks?

Why the Audio Element of Our Storybooks Is So Important 🎧

At Tales from Mother Earth, we believe that children thrive when they can engage with stories in multiple ways. That’s why every storybook we create includes an audio element — a choice rooted in both personal experience and research-backed benefits for young learners.

Audio Storybooks: Supporting Every Child’s Learning Journey

As a parent, I’ve seen the difference that audiobooks can make. My own son wasn’t keen on traditional reading at first, so we explored audiobooks together. He listened, followed along with his finger on the words, and gradually developed a love for stories and literacy.

This experience directly inspired our approach at Tales from Mother Earth: we wanted our storybooks to be accessible to all children, including those with different learning abilities or SEND needs.

With audio, children can:

  • Follow along with the story

  • Engage with characters and themes

  • Learn conservation messages in an immersive way

  • Develop reading, listening, and comprehension skills

What Our Audio Storybooks Include

We go beyond simple narration. Each storybook comes with four dedicated audio tracks to create a rich, interactive learning experience:

  1. Full story narration – voiced by Mother Earth or storybook characters

  2. Read-along version – with page-turning sound effects for early readers

  3. Character theme music – enhancing immersion and engagement

  4. Mother Earth’s signature theme – a calming, memorable soundtrack

These elements combine to make reading, listening, and learning a fun, holistic experience for children.

The Benefits of Audiobooks for Children

Research consistently supports the value of audiobooks for literacy, development, and well-being. Experts and studies, including those highlighted by the Starglow Community, list 18 compelling benefits, such as:

  • Boosts vocabulary and comprehension

  • Encourages reluctant readers

  • Supports bilingual and ESL learners

  • Enhances focus, attention, and critical thinking

  • Strengthens pronunciation and fluency

  • Makes reading a shared family experience

  • Helps children with visual impairments

  • Reduces screen time

  • Expands cultural awareness

  • Fosters independence and self-confidence

Audiobooks are especially valuable for children who may struggle with traditional reading, helping them develop a love for stories, literacy skills, and emotional intelligence.

Why We Include Audio in Every Storybook

For us, the audio element is integral to the Tales from Mother Earth experience. It brings stories to life, reinforces important environmental and conservation messages, and provides an inclusive learning tool for children of all ages.

Whether your child is an early reader, a reluctant reader, or has learning differences, our storybooks — with audio — help them connect with nature, characters, and the joy of reading.

Explore Our Children’s Nature Storybook Collection

Discover our full range of children’s storybooks with audio and immerse your little learners in engaging stories, conservation lessons, and imaginative adventures.

Browse the Collection Here

 

 

/by

Introducing our storybook ‘Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree’ in Welsh!

NEW storybook ‘Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree’ in Welsh!

Tales from Mother Earth is delighted to announce the launch of Sbriwsen Sitka – y Goeden Bren Ryfeddol, the Welsh translation of Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree! This is our very first children’s audio/picture storybook produced in another language—and it’s now being sent out to all 1,277 primary schools in Wales, in both Welsh and English. This means that teachers can begin to build bilingual language lesson plans around the story in time for the new school year.

The Welsh version of the storybook was launched at WoodBUILD25, an annual two-day conference for the timber industry, held this year on 3–4 June in Llandudno. Organised by Woodknowledge Wales, the event brings together timber and construction stakeholders to collaborate, innovate and drive meaningful change. The conference proved to be the perfect setting for the book launch. To much applause, Gary Newman, CEO of Woodknowledge Wales, presented Sbriwsen Sitka to a room packed with interest during the celebration dinner.

“We’re thrilled to support the Welsh-language launch of Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree. It’s a wonderful example of how storytelling can spark curiosity in children about the natural world and the vital role timber plays in our lives. By reaching every primary school in Wales, this bilingual storybook helps us grow a future generation that values forests, materials and sustainability – in both Welsh and English.” Gary Newman, CEO, Woodknowledge Wales

Together with Morgan Sindall Construction and other enthusiastic partners, Woodknowledge Wales was instrumental in helping us develop the original English version of Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree in 2024—and now they’ve helped bring the Welsh version to life.

New Production Requirement

Translating a book into a language we don’t personally speak is a huge act of trust. Fortunately, we worked closely with the expert team at Cymen, who provided a wonderful Welsh translation that perfectly captured our words, passion, and tone. This care and attention extended to the supporting resources too, such as our newly created Welsh crossword puzzle, which was thoroughly checked and approved.

Because our books have a strong audio element, it was vital to find two talented Welsh speakers to bring the characters of Mother Earth and Sitka to life. That’s where tinint, a production and broadcast company based in Wales, stepped in. Their casting and production work brought just the right warmth, friendliness and energy to match the original English voices.

Our sincere thanks go to the brilliant team at Woodknowledge Wales for overseeing this development—what a great collaboration it has been!

Available now from our website shop

 

 

/by

Have Children Lost the Art of Playing Outside?

Guest Blog by Georgie McIntyre – Avant Consultancy Ltd, where she explores whether or not children have lost the art of playing outside and the importance of this.

 

   

Not long ago, childhood meant grazed knees, muddy hands, and imaginations fuelled by nothing but the natural world. These days, I often wonder if children have lost the art of playing outside.

For many of us, the answer feels uncomfortable. The pull of screens, tightly packed schedules, and growing worries about safety have shifted the shape of childhood. But quietly, gently, there’s a movement rekindling our children’s connection with the world around them. And Tales from Mother Earth is one of its brightest sparks.

Founded by the passionate and brilliant Jenny Bailey, Tales from Mother Earth is an eco-publishing company producing beautiful, immersive storybooks told through the voice of Mother Earth herself. Their mission? To ignite the conservationist in all of us, especially children, through the simple yet powerful medium of storytelling.

Their philosophy is simple yet impactful:

“Let’s teach our kids what they can do to look after the wildlife that needs help today and improve our children’s mental health at the same time, whilst they listen and engage with a story that touches their hearts, connecting them with nature in the most positive of ways.”

And they do exactly that, through engaging, emotionally relatable storytelling for children aged 3–10.

I had the joy of interviewing Jenny last year and was struck by her authenticity, drive, and belief in this work. She’s a mother to a neurodivergent child, and her passion for accessible, real-world education shines through everything she does. Her approach is storytelling with heart and purpose. It’s about giving children the tools to care, the language to understand, and the belief that they can make a difference.

Tales from Mother Earth’s Storybooks

In just four short years, they’ve brought to life a collection of characters that children adore and provide real-world learning:

🐝 Meet Phoebe the Bee – a hardworking little bee who could be any of the busy pollinators in your garden. Phoebe bravely tries to save her family and hive. Through Phoebe’s story, children learn how vital bees are to our ecosystems and what simple actions they can take to help.

🦔 Meet Spike the Hedgehog – a brave young hedgehog on a journey to find a safe new home. Spike could be the next prickly friend you discover rustling through your garden at dusk. His story encourages children to think about how small changes to our habits and spaces can help protect this much-loved mammal.

🌊 Meet Stanley the Water Vole – a curious riverbank explorer who suddenly notices strange new visitors… pieces of plastic falling from the sky and polluting his beloved waterway. Stanley’s story gently explores the impact of plastic waste on wildlife while showing children they can be part of the solution.

🌲 Meet Sitka the Spruce, the Amazing Timber Tree – a story that celebrates the qualities of timber, particularly the Sitka Spruce, the tree of choice across the UK’s timber industry. (Commissioned by Morgan Sindall), this book teaches children about sustainable forestry and how timber can be reused within the built environment.

🌼 Journey to the Green Roof – commissioned by the GRO (Green Roof Organisation),  We meet Freya, a hairy-footed flower bee, and Sarah, a European seven-spotted ladybird, each swept up in their own unexpected adventure. This story explores the incredible biodiversity benefits of green roofs. As the day unfolds, everything changes for them in ways they never imagined, but both come to the same heartfelt conclusion that every roof should be green.

Each book is designed to educate and inspire without fear or anxiety, helping children see that everyone can do something. And they’re not just learning about nature; the books help to build emotional connection, empathy and a sense of responsibility.

Explore our Children’s Nature Book Collection now!

What I love most is that these stories go beyond the facts. They nurture empathy, curiosity, and care. They connect young minds to the real world around them, encouraging questions. That matters. Especially when we know that time spent in nature benefits children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. Research shows that taking children out supports creativity, improves immunity, reduces anxiety, and helps young children feel more grounded. It’s a natural reset to any climate anxiety a child may be experiencing. A reminder that everyone can do something.

Whether it’s through Forest School, outdoor education, or just having the freedom to get muddy, children need time outside. And when that experience is woven with kindness, storytelling, and purpose, it becomes even more powerful.

The research backs it up……

Outdoor play has enormous benefits for children across every aspect of their development:

Physical health

Outdoor play supports improved fitness, coordination, and stamina. Children who spend more time outside are more physically active and less likely to become overweight (NI Direct, 2024). Natural sunlight also supports healthy vitamin D production, which is vital for bone growth and overall wellbeing.

“Children who engage in outdoor play exhibit improved physical fitness, agility, and stamina.”

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Green spaces have been shown to reduce stress and improve children’s mood, sleep, and attention span. Spending time in nature has a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Outdoor play allows children to explore and take risks, fostering a sense of accomplishment and boosting self-esteem. According to the Children & Nature Network,

“Exposure to green environments significantly reduces symptoms of ADHD and improves attention in young people.”

Social and emotional development

Outdoor environments allow children to connect, play collaboratively, take risks, and build resilience. Nature play stimulates creativity and imagination, allowing children to invent their own activities. As highlighted in Child Mind Institute research:

“Children’s emotional regulation improves dramatically after just 20 minutes of outdoor, unstructured play.”

Cognitive development

Nature is an influential teacher. Exploring natural environments encourages creativity, problem-solving, and curiosity. Time outdoors has been linked to improved learning outcomes and stronger focus back in the classroom.

“Children who spend more time in nature have shown improved cognitive skills and better attention spans.” (Psychology Today, 2023)

Tales from Mother Earth champion these opportunities through gentle and grounded storytelling, it reconnects children with the world around them. It invites them to play, go outside, care, and understand that they are part of something bigger and that they can make a difference.

If you’re a parent, teacher, carer, or simply someone who wants to see children flourish, I encourage you to explore their work. You can find their storybooks here: https://talesfrommotherearth.co.uk/shop.

Let’s bring back the mud, the wonder, and the wild. Let’s help our children rediscover the art of playing outside and show them, through story and nature, just how much they matter in this world.

Georgie is the founder of Avant Consultancy Ltd, who supports Tales from Mother Earth and organisations who want to grow, scale or evolve, without losing sight of who they are and are values led. You can follow Georgie on https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiemcintyre/ for more of her insights or DM if you are interested in her support.

 

References:

  • NI Direct (2024). Playing outdoors: The benefits for children. Available at: www.nidirect.gov.uk
  • Child Mind Institute (2023). Why kids need to spend time in nature. Available at: www.childmind.org
  • Children & Nature Network (2021). Research: Green settings and ADHD. Available at: www.childrenandnature.org
  • Psychology Today (2023). All kids need time in nature – and the planet needs that too. Available at: www.psychologytoday.com

 

/by

Let’s Get our Kids Colouring!

Why Every Storybook Includes a Colouring Page

At Tales from Mother Earth, every one of our children’s storybooks comes with a colouring page — including our commissioned titles. But why is this so important, and what benefits does it bring to young readers?

The answer is simple: colouring pages enhance learning, creativity, and engagement with our characters — Phoebe, Spike, Stanley, Sarah, Freya, and Sitka — helping children connect with the story on a deeper level.

   

Colouring Boosts Creativity and Connection

As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how much children enjoy painting, colouring, and drawing. The act of filling in a picture, experimenting with shading, and creating something unique:

  • Strengthens fine motor skills

  • Encourages hand-eye coordination

  • Develops focus, concentration, and patience

  • Enhances creativity and self-expression

When children colour our storybook characters, they often form a lasting bond with them. The finished artwork may even be proudly displayed on a wall, reinforcing the story and its lessons.

The Science-Backed Benefits of Colouring

The advantages of colouring extend beyond fun. Research shows it supports a wide range of cognitive, emotional, and social skills:

  1. Fine Motor Skills – Holding a crayon or pencil strengthens the small muscles needed for writing and drawing.

  2. Hand-Eye Coordination – Following lines and shapes improves spatial awareness and precision.

  3. Focus and Concentration – Completing a colouring page teaches patience, perseverance, and attention to detail.

  4. Creativity and Self-Expression – Children explore imagination and express feelings through colours and designs.

  5. Colour Recognition and Learning – Exposure to different hues helps children identify, differentiate, and name colours.

  6. Relaxation and Stress Relief – Repetitive colouring calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and encourages mindfulness.

  7. Language Development – Discussing colours, shapes, and characters expands vocabulary and communication skills.

  8. Self-Esteem and Confidence – Completing a picture gives children a sense of accomplishment and pride.

  9. Mindfulness – Colouring encourages presence in the moment, aiding emotional regulation.

  10. Academic Readiness – The cognitive and motor skills gained lay the foundation for future learning success.

By including colouring pages in every storybook, we give children a tool to learn, relax, and deepen their connection with nature and wildlife, all while having fun.

Encourage Your Little Readers to Colour with Love

We encourage children to engage with our storybooks and colouring pages anytime they wish — just like many of our young readers already do! This creative activity reinforces the themes of environmental stewardship, empathy, and personal growth found throughout our stories.

To explore all our storybooks that include colouring pages, visit our online shop:
Tales from Mother Earth Shop – Children’s Storybooks with Colouring Pages

References

  • Colour Psychology – Benefits of Colouring Pages for Kids

  • Neuro Launch – Child Psychology: How Hues Influence Young Minds

  • Centre of Excellence – 7 Benefits of Colouring for Mental Health and Mindfulness

/by
,

Why Stanley the Water Vole?

Why Stanley? What’s in a Name?

Choosing the right character name for a children’s storybook is never accidental — and Stanley the Water Vole was no exception.

From the very beginning, the name Stanley perfectly captured the personality we imagined: curious, cautious, warm-hearted and quietly brave. Every character in our environmental children’s books is carefully named, sometimes after plenty of “buzz testing” to see what feels right. But with Stanley, the name stuck instantly — and it’s been a joy to see how many children and adults now adore him too.

Stanley isn’t just any animal — he’s a water vole, one of Britain’s most important yet vulnerable native mammals.

Water voles are often described as mini ecosystem engineers. Much like beavers (on a smaller scale), they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy riverbanks and supporting biodiversity. They are the largest vole species in the UK and have an incredibly varied plant-based diet.

In one scientific study, researchers examining a single water vole’s nest discovered an astonishing 182 different plants and berries stored for winter — just like Stanley does in our storybook.

However, water voles are sadly in serious decline. They are listed as Endangered on both the Great Britain and England Red List for Mammals. With an estimated UK population of around 132,000, they have experienced one of the most dramatic declines of any British mammal.

The main causes?

  • Habitat loss

  • Water pollution

  • Riverbank destruction

  • Plastic and litter contamination

And that’s exactly why Stanley’s story matters.

Stanley, Plastic Pollution & Protecting Our Rivers

Our children’s environmental storybook, Stanley the Water Vole, highlights the connection between wildlife and plastic pollution in a way young readers can truly understand.

Stanley doesn’t like humans near his burrow — they scare him. What he doesn’t realise is that some people are trying to help clean up the litter threatening his home.

Through storytelling, children learn:

  • How plastic pollution harms rivers and wildlife

  • Why litter affects biodiversity

  • How microplastics form and enter ecosystems

  • What we can all do to protect our waterways

By helping children connect emotionally with a wild animal, the message becomes lasting and meaningful.

And yes — many children tell us they never look at crisp packets the same way again!

Creating Litter Champions in Schools

Stanley has helped create litter champions and young environmental warriors across the UK.

Our workshops and school resources use the Stanley the Water Vole storybook to explore:

  • Plastic waste and decomposition timelines

  • Microplastics and their environmental impact

  • Recycling and waste management

  • The circular economy

  • Personal responsibility and positive action

Teachers and organisations continue to use Stanley’s story to engage pupils in environmental education in a way that feels empowering rather than overwhelming.

The best part?
Children truly get it. When we run workshops, pupils are eager to act responsibly and protect their environment — and that’s incredibly heartwarming to witness.

Buy Stanley the Water Vole

You can purchase your copy of Stanley the Water Vole and explore our other environmental children’s storybooks in our online shop.

All storybooks now include a QR code to download four accompanying audio tracks, bringing the stories to life at home or in the classroom.

If you’d like information about our environmental education workshops and school resources, please get in touch directly at:
Hello@talesfrommotherearth.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

/by

Children’s Storybooks on Conservation of Nature

Children’s Storybooks on Conservation of Nature – within 4 short years Tales from Mother Earth has now produced 5 audio/picture storybooks – including 2 commissions covering this exact subject that are all available at https://talesfrommotherearth.co.uk/shop/

  1. Phoebe the Bee – teaching children how important bees are and what we can do to help them
  2. Spike the Hedgehog – teaching children to be more hedgehog aware and help the nation’s favourite mammal
  3. Stanley the Water Vole – teaching children how our waterways can be impacted by plastic pollution and how our wildlife suffers as a result of people’s careless actions, and of course what we can all do to help in this situation
  4. Journey to the Green Roof – commissioned 2023 by the GRO Green Roof Organisation – teaching children the importance of green roofs and what they can give to biodiversity
  5. Sitka the Amazing Timber Tree – commissioned 2024 by Morgan Sindall – teaching children to think about timber in a whole new light! Sitka Spruce is the timber tree of choice throughout the UK and it’s one of the best resources in the world!

For us…

its all about connecting children with nature and that’s why we started Tales from Mother Earth. We want to halt the disconnect that is happening and play our part in engaging children by teaching young minds that they can make such a positive difference in the world and help the animals that are in trouble today. We do this through our realistic audio/picture storybooks narrated by Mother Earth that are designed to ignite the conservationist in all of us, especially children.

So much work to do in this space..

We find its all about positive education in action, and we’re thrilled to be working with some wonderful individuals and organisations who are making a difference.

Tales from Mother Earth producing Children’s Storybooks on Conservation of Nature Supported by British Wildlife Centre

Perfect for children – great learning resources!

Explore our Children’s Nature Book Collection

/by