Barley's Biscuit, Wenlock Edge - The Ghost Whispers

Overview

Barley, the clever Border Collie dog, his nephew Basil and their human friend Mick, set out on an adventure walk through the fabulous countryside called Wenlock Edge found in the lovely little Shropshire town of Much Wenlock. It is where the modern Olympic games started!

Wenlock Edge has a path running through it splitting the area between an ancient sea bed and more modern rock extraction, leaving manufactured quarried holes in the ground there. All sides have steep edges. When Mick decides to climb over the old sea edge to photograph some fossils, the two dogs follow a bad scent Barley had already detected. Someone there is up to no good.

Old tales of an historical robber and the stories passed on down the years of his ghost, forms the basis of this adventure story. Barley needs to use his planning talents to the limits and Basil’s considerable help to create a trap. A friend called Dexter also helps. It would appear that a modern day robber, there to make some illegal and easy money by stealing something very valuable, had never heard about the old tales, that’s a shame…

Barley’s Biscuit Series

‘It all started around eight or nine years ago. A man of some experience, with a firm knowledge of many beauty spots around the Shropshire countryside, walked into the pub. He was accompanied by an old collie dog everyone knew as Badger. The man’s name was Mick, and unknown to me at the time, Badger had a new companion.’

I was living close to Ironbridge toying with the idea of writing stories and had a small eureka moment when Mick began to tell me about him. “Hello Roy, this is Barley.” Mick said, presenting a collie puppy and proudly holding him up for all to see. This little bundle of energy was mad keen on biscuits, that was obvious from the outset. He would relentlessly pester anybody he thought he could get a biscuit out of. There was always a jar of biscuits readily available on the bar, and he knew this.

It wouldn’t be until some years later that the eureka moment I had would resurface, this time as a full blown idea for a children’s book; or even a series of them. A few years later, and unfortunately following Badger’s death, Mick walked into the same pub with a new companion. This time however, the companion was for Barley. The new puppy’s name was Basil, and he was Barley’s nephew.

Shortly after that, I spotted a clear difference in the personalities of the dogs; Barley being the clever one and Basil more reserved. The accounts Mick gave about the long walks they’d do most days around the many local beauty spots, inspired me to create characters based on the two dogs. I didn’t feel the need to change the names, and the look on their faces after their walks told me they’d had a great adventure already, but I wanted my stories to also have a bit of danger, some sort of problem-solving issue and an educational slant.

Some research and visits to the beauty spots myself, unearthed a wealth of history, geography, geology, science, natural and manufactured features. These presented ideal environments to imagine a lot fun, adventure, a dangerous situation and create a problem for a clever dog to solve – with some assistance of course! Alongside these fabulous environments, the museums and Industrial Revolution of Shropshire’s past helped me to include educational traits into my stories.

Roy Bradshaw - Author

Roy Bradshaw, a children's book author based in Shropshire, has a unique approach to storytelling that captivates young minds. Through his series "Barley’s Biscuit," Roy invites children into a world of adventure set in the picturesque landscapes of Shropshire, fostering a love for reading and exploration. His tales are not just stories; they are journeys that encourage curiosity and imagination among young readers.

Each book in the "Barley’s Biscuit" series is crafted with the intent to teach and entertain, blending educational themes with fun. Roy Bradshaw’s background in teaching shines through as he carefully constructs narratives that are both engaging and instructive. His deep connection to Shropshire, where he has lived for over half his life, enriches his stories, making them resonate with authenticity and love for the local environment.

The vivid descriptions of Shropshire’s nature in his books do more than just set the scene—they inspire children to explore the natural world and appreciate its beauty. This connection to nature is a consistent theme throughout Roy's work, reflecting his personal appreciation for his surroundings and his desire to share this with his young readers.

Roy's passion for his craft and his commitment to children’s literature make him a standout author in the field. His books are more than just leisure reads; they are tools for learning and growth. By introducing children to the joys of reading through stories deeply rooted in the heart of Shropshire, Roy Bradshaw not only promotes literacy but also instills a sense of wonder and adventure in his readers.

In addition to the "Barley’s Biscuit" series, Roy Bradshaw has crafted other engaging children's stories, all infused with the same charm and educational value. His characters are vivid and relatable, making each story a delightful read for children and a valuable resource for parents and educators looking to encourage a love of reading.

For those interested in discovering the magic of Roy Bradshaw’s children’s books and exploring the enchanting world of Shropshire through his narratives, more information is available on his website. Whether you are a young reader or a parent looking for compelling children's literature, Roy Bradshaw's works are a treasure trove of adventures waiting to be discovered.