Marti-Rye the Mole Has a Shiny Week

Overview

Have you ever met a mole that is aristocratic (almost posh), conceited (big headed), vexatious (annoying) and who loves his own image? You haven’t? Well… meet Marti-Rye. He also has an odd hobby, he likes to collect things – shiny things (I say), the shinier the better, and if they happen to belong to someone else already… well!

A charming little country village called Jaquesfields is home to a patch of waste land local people call Mulch Meadow. This is mole territory. The meadow is sandwiched between a couple of cottages with the River Rye at one end and Rye Road at the other. Marti-Rye chances upon a monocle (eye glass) in the meadow with a special property. It is munificent (generous) and the gift it gives is sight... but only to one mole!

Enjoy seven chapters here, each representing a (shiny) adventure accompanied by some of Marti-Rye’s friends. Each adventure happens on a different day through Monday to Sunday of a special Summer week. Plenty of things happen in and around the village during that week. Marti-Rye has an important task to complete in The Verano – his summer home… shiny things will come in very handy. Along the way some humans might just help… unwittingly (without them knowing) of course!

Marti-Rye the Mole

When my two boys were little, we’d often go on long walks close to where I live in Ironbridge – there are many spectacular walks in the surrounding countryside. One such place is called Jackfield, a small village alongside the River Severn. There used to be a small piece of wasteland straddled by a couple of cottages leading downhill to the river. Molehills were always scattered all over this wasteland from the road to the edge of the river. Many years later this became the home setting for Marti-Rye and his friends – in my book I called it Mulch Meadow.

Originally, Marti-Rye was a series of seven different stories. I had a long desire to write a chapters book aimed at older readers up to eleven, so I decided to bring the stories together. I also wanted to introduce some words who’s meaning would challenge a young reader hence the word munificent (generous) in the sub-title ‘With Friends and his Munificent Monocle.’ The generosity of the monocle Marti-Rye happens across in Mulch Meadow is given sight – something most moles have very little of. With this new faculty Marti-Rye becomes obsessed with collecting shiny things and his quest to brighten up his burrow with often ill-gotten shiny things begins.

With a hint of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ style and a range of annoying catchphrases often blurted out by Marti-Rye, the story has seven chapters and an introduction which exceeds 33,000 words. I decided that his ventures should run over a week (seven days) during a period in the summer so I titled it as ‘Marti-Rye the Mole Has a Shiny Week.’ Each day represented a new adventure collecting a new shiny thing with a new friend.

Many of the characters chosen for this work are loosely based on local people I know usually from a pub I use in Jackfield called The Black Swan, which also features as The Black Heron. Many of the setting descriptions are also based in or close to Jackfield. The name Marti-Rye stems from a friend of mine called Martin Rye which I always thought a good name for a children’s story character. Their traits, however, are definitely not the same! The River Severn becomes The River Rye in the story which I have also used in other 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.