Tag Archive for: kids

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.

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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!

           

           

 

 

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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

 

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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

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