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Hey Roy,
I’ve recently been exploring Barley’s Biscuit, and I was so struck by the evocative, peaceful way you’ve mapped the "internal landscape" of your journey through the Ironbridge Gorge. There is a "narrative glow" in your writing, a sense that the "Golden Glow" of the afternoon isn't just a lighting condition, but a structural state of mind that defines the very topography of the history and companionship you and Barley navigate.
As the co-founder of Books and Bao, a magazine dedicated to the intersection of literature, travel, and the "internal landscapes" of the places we inhabit (from the iconic monuments of industrial history to the quiet ripples of a river), your work felt like a significant, charming discovery. We have a global audience of readers who value "Reflective Travel Memoirs" and the mapping of heritage sites. I’d love to feature your book as a "Masterclass in Narrative Slow-Travel."
I have a few ideas on how we can highlight the "Historical Topography" of your work.
Would you be open to me sending over a brief on a potential collaboration?
kind Regards,
WILLOW HEATH Founder & Book Blogger
Hi Roy,
I almost didn’t send this. I wrote it, sat with it, almost deleted it. But I’ve learned to pay attention when something won’t let me go, and Barley’s Biscuit: Broseley, Benthall Edge (Pattern's Rock Quarry) wouldn’t let me go.
I came across your book and what stayed with me was the cleverness of Barley, the way he observes, thinks, and acts to keep everyone safe while still making sure life has its little rewards. There’s something delightful about a story that blends adventure, problem-solving, and the joy of small victories like a well-earned biscuit.
What really lingered for me was the dynamic between Barley, Basil, and Mick. The way Barley and Basil navigate danger, with their own personalities shining through, makes the story engaging for both children and adults. The sense of place in Shropshire adds so much charm and context to the adventures, giving them an added layer of enjoyment.
I’m a fellow author and have been publishing for a while. Not reaching out to pitch anything, just genuinely glad to have come across your work and thought it would be nice to connect.
I’m curious, when you were creating these adventures, did you start with Barley’s cleverness first, or was it the beautiful landscapes and danger spots that inspired the scenarios?
Thanks for putting these stories into the world.
Best regards,
Cheryl StrayedBestselling Author • Speaker • Memoirist
New Reviews
Good Evening,
It was lovely to meet you today at the Ironbridge Coracle Regatta. We love the story book about Konk. Jesse is currently making him colourful to cheer him up. Thank you so much.
Kind regards,
Natalie Bagnall
Workshop
Today, 8th August 2024, I will be reading a story or two to a bunch of ankle-biters in a local library situated in the town of Broseley, Telford. I will read Konk the White Crocodile and a Barley’s Biscuit story called Ghostly Whispers on Wenlock Edge. We will make 3D models of Konk the White Crocodile in cardboard for the younger ones and the older ones can write their own Barley’s Biscuit story.
Recent Events
Unfortunately, I have been ill for some days and had to cancel a number of events. I am now fit and raring to go at my next event to be held inside of Broseley Library on Thursday 8th August (see events for details and map). I will read some of my stories and hold a 3D model making workshop. Everyone is welcome to this free event!
Mr. B’s Busy-Bea (The Bee Bea Sea) Launch and Newspaper Article
Telford author reveals his latest children's book featuring environmental message
A Telford author has released his latest children's book featuring a 'subtle yet powerful' environmental message.
The Bee Bea Sea is Roy Bradshaw's eighth children's book and is the second book in his series of Mr. B's Busy-Bea books.
His latest book was launched from inside Southwater Library in Telford on Tuesday
The former engineer with teaching experience in secondary and primary schools was inspired to pen the story by the 'quantity of plastic micro-particles in our seas, rising at an alarming rate'.
Author Roy said: "Add this to the fact that fish are eating the plastic micro-particles, thinking them as food, then this leaves a worrying prospect for the future health of our seas."
Author and Publisher Paul Naylor at the launch.
Mr. B’s Busy-Bea (The Bee Bea Sea)
My latest release, the second in a series of Mr. B’s Busy-Bea books, was launched yesterday 30th July 2024 from Telford Library in the Town Centre. Despite the relatively low turn-out (the weather outside was more persuasive to a seaside visit than a library one), I read one of my stories to a group of children and our photographs were taken by the local newspaper - The Shropshire Star. The event was also represented by Mr Paul Naylor, owner of the publishing company I use, called Media and You. I donated two copies to the library for their stock and the book is now widely on sale.