Looking for a lively holiday read for younger children? Richmond based Ellen Gee’s first children’s book hits the shelves this month with Scrapper Jack, Seven Scrapping Stories Set in Swaledale. Inspired by a real life character, the fictional tales follow Scrapper Jack and his spaniels Settle and Carlisle as they collect scrap metal in Swaledale.

Written in four-line verse, Jack’s adventures include an encounter with a boa constrictor, a dramatic farmyard rescue, and finding and donating interesting items to the local museum and theatre. Our hero helps Blacksmith Bill in his artistic endeavours and there a sensitively handled meeting with a Deaf child. With Jack’s motto of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” respecting the environment, and enjoying life and work in the countryside, are the underlying themes. With delightful colour illustrations by Arkengarthdale artist Jocelyn Campbell and line drawings by David Nash, the forty pages are bright and appealing, whilst also representing excellent value as there is plenty of reading here. The verse style keeps the stories rolling along and the clear A4 format is ideal for adults reading to younger children, and also accessible to older children who may wish to read independently. Every copy includes a RNID finger spelling alphabet bookmark.

Publishing this book fulfills a lifetime ambition for Ellen Gee who has “scribbled and dabbled” with writing since her teens. A Scot married to a Yorkshireman, the couple left York over twenty years ago for The Good Life on a Scottish island, returning to Yorkshire and making their home in Richmond in 2005. Scrapper Jack reflects Ellen’s own love of the Dales, and issues close to her heart, such as Deafness/disablity, community involvement and preserving the countryside.

Priced at £7.50, the book is available from Castle Books in Richmond, Fatsheep in Reeth and Bedale News in Bedale. It can also be obtained direct from the author (a P&P charge will be added) - email her at scrapperjack@hotmail.co.uk