Konk the White Crocodile (And His Very Long Snout)

Overview

Activities and story book suitable for children 3 to 6 years. The book contains a story, colouring-in pages, 2D and 3D model making activities. Full colour illustrations with the story.

Konk the White Crocodile

Two things were missing from my growing catalogue of children’s books. One was that I had nothing to cater for the younger readers (four to six years old). The second thing was that, other than reading, I had little to offer schools in the way of a workshop. I set about tackling both of these omissions by writing an ‘Activities and Story’ book for the range of children I call ankle biters or years one and two in primary school. There would be free to copy colouring in pages with 2D and 3D modelling pages included in the book.

I was invited to read one of my Barley books in a local school on World Book Day one year. The day was very successful and we had a very intellectual set of questions raised in the assembly hall by the audience at the end. A member of staff had created a crocodile outfit made of white cardboard I assume from the story of Peter Pan. The snout was very long and this registered in my memory. My initial thoughts were ‘wouldn’t it be great if the children in the class could colour in parts of the crocodile costume with any colour they wanted to?’

Where and when I grew up in the Black Country, if someone had a big nose they got called Konk – that’s just the way it was. I had recently finished reading a novel by Archie Hill called The Second Meadow (recommended) where one of his characters was also called Konk. So, by putting together my skills at model making through Design and Technology I’d honed as a DT teacher following on from my primary school teaching, the lightbulb moment on World Book Day, Archie Hill’s novel and my past history in the Black Country, an outline for ‘Konk the White Crocodile and His Very Long Snout’ was born.

Describing these things to a friend of mine whilst enjoying a glass of cider outside the White Hart pub in Ironbridge overlooking the river one day, my friend intervened; ‘Konk could live in the river.’ Then she nodded her head towards the River Severn. I then had the story of Konk always dreaming that he wanted to be a nice bright colour, just like all of his friends were, but he was only white. The magic of the River Rye could change this though...

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.