by Frances Churchward.
Sarah Horsfall is a Southampton mother with two children who attend a local primary school. She has recently produced a series of books, The Owlbert Series, published by Tricorn Books written in rhyme, for primary aged children.
Sarah explains why she decided to write the books: “There have been several times during my time as a mum when I have wanted to talk to my children about their worries, fears or about a topic that they find difficult to understand. It isn’t easy to find resources aimed at four to eight years old and this is the aim of the Owlbert series.”
She says that she chose to write in verse because it came naturally to her. Ms Horsfall uses the device of “Owlbert”, a wise owl who talks to children about their concerns, in order to help them better understand their emotions and difficulties.
There are several books in the series all designed to support the young reader with specific problems and situations. Perhaps the most apposite for current times is the one titled “Owlbert on life after Lockdown” which discusses issues relating to present changes in life as a result of the pandemic. Sarah intends to write more books in the same series.
The illustrations are by Raphilena Bonito and the books are available for purchase on Sarah’s website:
