Animals

Non-Fiction

The Michael Elliott Trust, known as the Actors’ Donkey Sanctuary, became one of the most successful animal theatre charities and children’s centres in this country.

The original idea was to provide a home for these gentle animals so they could enhance the lives of children with special needs. With financial support from its patrons and supporters from the well-known ranks of the UK entertainment industry, the trust built the barns for the donkeys’ rehabilitation and the farmhouse for the children’s therapeutic stays.

The Really Useful Donkey Company tells the stories of the amazing donkeys who were saved and then lived at the sanctuary. Each chapter describes how the donkeys made their way to the sanctuary, often saved from perilous circumstances, then became the focal point for the sanctuary’s visitors.

In many cases, the donkeys developed touching relationships with disabled children from many organisations in the Peak District and beyond. The donkeys became major contributors to the children’s lives often helping to bring about major changes in the children’s behaviour, confidence and self-esteem.

The book is a touching and often moving record of the sanctuary and its work, now continued by the Flicka Foundation in Cornwall, made possible by the amazing donkeys themselves and what they achieved with their young, disabled friends.

Author John Stirling, who ran the sanctuary for over twenty-five years with his wife Annie, was a former child actor, director and producer in both theatre and television throughout his long and distinguished career. He worked on many of the nation’s favourite shows and programmes with household names from screen and stage, winning awards along the way.

John Stirling has written two other books, both published by i2i Publishing: ROUX: The Magnificent Red Squirrel Who Befriended the King of England about the relationship between a squirrel and King Henry the VIII; and Calendar Boy about about his travels around the UK making talks to branches of the UK Women’s Institute.

The first book in the series Norman the Snail, tells how, with great determination Norman reaches for the sky.

A Cracker the Fearless Alpaca Adventure.

When one of Santa’s reindeers is unable to pull the sleigh, our hero, Cracker the Fearless Alpaca comes to the rescue and saves the day.

Retired Insurance Broker and author David Beesley has for many years written stories, songs and rhymes for his 3 children and 11 grandchildren.

He has now decided to write children’s books for publication with a target age range of 3-8 years. He aims to focus on sharing, rhyming books.

This is the delightful tale of Jay, the blackbird who woke up the nest It tells children the importance of being considerate to others in their home and not venturing away from the safe environment of the family, however tempting that may be.

Welcome to The Rainbow Kangaroo Family who live in Australia.

This is their first story. In the future, they will go on many other adventures across the world.

Each character is based upon a member of my family. This story has been told to my grandchildren with great excitement and an awakening of their imagination whilst driving through the outback of Australia.

Let your imagination run wild and I hope you all enjoy this story as much as my grandchildren did.

These matters are of importance to accept before handing the findings to more analytical minds, to read in the hope of presenting solutions.

It was on the balcony at Hampton Court Palace that the work was done quietly, discreetly in what Thomas Wolsey referred to as ‘The Silent Get Together’. Visually exciting, verbally incoherent and there for everyone to see – a unique format for success.

Henry VIII would not allow freedom of speech. All discourse had to be in obeyance of an order, whether acceptable or not. Criticism was banished, suggestions discouraged or in most cases forbidden. Time allocated simply for acclamation and flattery. Henry’s wealth was his comfort, ownership his power, dominance his acceptance, philanthropy his quest. The young king was renowned for revelling in undisputed control, an overriding criterion that painted his life colourful and entertaining.

Exciting to a nation, his popularity gaining unequalled degrees of admiration.

There is little doubt that Roux experienced the best years with the young Tudor King of England. A time of unprecedented wealth allowed for the conception of creative adventures, in turn, generating larger than life characters. Fortunes were welcomed for extraordinary projects and designs, leaving a legacy of unsurpassed grandeur in which the next generation could delight.

Author John Stirling was a former child actor, director and producer in both theatre and television throughout his long and distinguished career. He worked on many of the nation’s favourite shows and programmes with household names from screen and stage, winning awards along the way.

John has written two other books, both published by i2i Publishing: The Really Useful Donkey Company about the sanctuary he ran for twenty-five years with his wife, Annie; and Calendar Boy, about his travels around the UK making talks to branches of the UK Women’s Institute.

The story of a big, bold, Tom Cat, tamed by a little baby girl.

Author, Lesley Leah was born in a Lancashire village. She grew up in the countryside enjoying nature and having the freedom to explore her environment. She loved embarking on new adventures, and always returned home with an animal needing assistance, whether it was a Bee with a leg missing or a lamb without its mum. Her family always encouraged her to own pets.

As a result, she grew up with a love of animals. She owned a pony at eight and dedicated the majority of her young life to the nurturing and enjoying of equine sports.

After being in education for twenty-five years, she knows having knowledge is wealth and she felt a strong urge to educate animal owners, on how a relationship between animals and children can be so positive. Hence, this delightful story.

She hopes you enjoy Big Boy Baggers: The Big Bold Tom Cat and the Baby Who Became Best Friends as much as she enjoyed writing it!!

The delightful story of a naughty little shrew who decided he did not want to go to school and would play ‘Pirates’ at home all day instead.

Author Stuart Harris is an archaeologist by profession, but in his spare time, loves creating stories for his young children, one of whom has autism and is a tough critic.

Stuart gains great satisfaction from the enjoyment provided.

The Pirate Shrew is the first of his stories to be shared with a much wider audience. See also, The Archaeology Fox.

Author Kellie Hamill has written this delightful book that will show children that the Bumblebee is the friend of nature.

The exciting story of how Mackerel, the ship’s cat on the Jolly Daisy saved the ship and its entire crew from imprisonment or worse!

Author Teresa Harrison-Best lives in Worthing, West Sussex.

She is married to Stuart and currently has four rescue cats, none of whom are pirates!

They have three grown-up children and six beautiful grandchildren.

She had her first book, which she illustrated herself, Catawall, Fluent in Feline, published in 2012.

Although she has always enjoyed writing, reading stories to the grandchildren gave her the inspiration for Mackerel.

Teresa is a great advocate for animals. She is a proud member of the Cat Writers Association.

The purpose of the book is to entertain, inform and expand vocabulary. In addition, the sub-text is one of hope and overcoming adversity, to embrace and celebrate difference. This introduction to the profiles of each canine character alludes to less easy times in their lives, that they narrate in their own unique way.

Marley, Woody and Loki have come together from very different backgrounds and have forged unbreakable sibling love. They have learned trust, tolerance and understanding and from this have flourished in their abilities to exhibit kindness, generosity and patience towards each other and the people they encounter.

The book also confirms that many different cultures, traditions and differences can unite as family. On reflection, it is about acceptance of quirks, mannerisms and behaviours that make all of us, canine and human; truly special …

After training as a nurse, author Debbie Willies travelled back-packing around Europe. She eventually worked as a district nurse in Crete which gave her the experience and linguistic skills to return to the UK as a Greek linguist. She then studied for a BA in English and Media which enabled her to teach English to secondary grade students and to adults.

Later and latterly, she worked in a specific provision school, specializing in Autism Spectrum, Attachment and Complex Social and Emotional differences as the school’s SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and this role took precedence over her personal writing. However, her ambition was always to write tales for children.

The three charming dogs she acquired accidentally became the subject matter of this, her first published book. She now enjoys stomping the downs, beaches and surrounding areas of her beloved West Sussex with her husband and the `family,’ taking pictures and making mental notes for the next story…

Non-Fiction

Part of the Little Jack series. This true and moving story provides an insight into how Little Jack was found as a desperate kitten on the streets of Manchester, requiring emergency surgery to his eye.

Alone and abandoned, his fate suddenly changed once he was accepted by a small Rescue Charity. However, concern for Little Jack’s vision was growing. Would he regain full sight or would he be destined to a life of darkness?

What unfolds is Little Jack’s journey to recovery following the loss of his eye and his integration into his new home with twelve other furry friends. Cats are notoriously territorial; would they accept or reject Little Jack being in their midst?

Little Jack has already stolen the hearts of hundreds in his tiny life. Read on to discover what exactly is so special about this amazing little kitten.

Author Davina Hanes, born in 1972, lives in the North West of England with her husband Darren and her treasured feline brood. Both have two daughters who they cherish. She has an Honours degree in Teaching and Mentoring and she works full-time within an educational establishment.

Her dedication to mentoring, however, took on an entirely new purpose when, several years ago, she became immersed in animal rescue: helping those of a feline kind. Following the adoption of her first ever cat, Magic, from Oldham Cats Rescue, she became an unpaid volunteer there, her current status being Assistant Manager of the Rescue.

Her unpaid rescue work, amongst other volunteers, has played an integral role when it comes to the care and rehome of abandoned cats. With her dedication and love for helping the feline kind, Davina has fostered hundreds of pregnant mums and kittens over the years, all of which, once fully weaned and returned to the Rescue, have been successfully rehomed. Within the world of Rescue, Davina has witnessed many a heartache, but she testifies, the moments of survival and happiness by far supersede this.

Rescue has simply become her life. Her furry family, her world.

All proceeds from this book will go to help care for, medicate and feed the cats and kittens of Oldham Cats Rescue, a Charity very close to her heart.

The heart-wrenching sequel to Akea: The Power of Destiny.

Akea is no ordinary husky and taking her place as Wolf Queen was just the first step in the journey set out for her by the Great Wolf.

Akea’s world turns upside down when humans raid their home, scattering the pack and capturing her hybrid son.

Salvador struggles to adjust to a life in captivity quickly realising not everyone approves of his mother’s rise to Wolf Queen.

When the Great Wolf sends him warning dreams, Salvador discovers his true purpose for being there.

Author Elizabeth Jade was born in 1998 in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, England, but moved with her family to Wellington in Somerset when she was very young. Her early schooling did not go smoothly and as a result, she was home-schooled from the age of seven. Her parents soon learned she had a unique slant on life and quickly abandoned attempts to follow the national curriculum in favour of child-led learning.

Elizabeth stumbled into writing at the age of fourteen when she began to suffer from anxiety and depression and quickly found her story ideas pouring out faster than she could get them onto paper. It wasn’t until the age of eighteen that she realised her struggles in school had been due to Aspergers Syndrome (an autistic spectrum disorder).

As an enthusiastic animal lover, Elizabeth volunteered first at the Conquest Riding Centre for the Disabled and then at St Giles’ Animal Rescue before moving on to the Cats Protection Homing and Information Centre. Her gifted way with the cats quickly earned her the title of ‘Cat Whisperer’ from the staff. Since she had always possessed such a way with animals, it was only natural for her story ideas to revolve around them.

Elizabeth’s personal experience as a young author with the challenges of autism, depression and anxiety, along with her writing theme of acceptance and overcoming obstacles, have led to her having a junior school class named after her.

From the day when she was born, Akea’s father knew that she was different; that she was destined for something great.

The lone wolf, Kazakh, had sensed it too and even though it was against pack law, he knew that he must help this young husky to be ready, no matter what the cost.

Author Elizabeth Jade was born in 1998 in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, England, but moved with her family to Wellington in Somerset when she was very young. Her early schooling did not go smoothly and as a result, she was home-schooled from the age of seven. Her parents soon learned she had a unique slant on life and quickly abandoned attempts to follow the national curriculum in favour of child-led learning.

Elizabeth stumbled into writing at the age of fourteen when she began to suffer from anxiety and depression and quickly found her story ideas pouring out faster than she could get them onto paper. It wasn’t until the age of eighteen that she realised her struggles in school had been due to Aspergers Syndrome (an autistic spectrum disorder).

As an enthusiastic animal lover, Elizabeth volunteered first at the Conquest Riding Centre for the Disabled and then at St Giles’ Animal Rescue before moving on to the Cats Protection Homing and Information Centre. Her gifted way with the cats quickly earned her the title of ‘Cat Whisperer’ from the staff. Since she had always possessed such a way with animals, it was only natural for her story ideas to revolve around them.

Elizabeth’s personal experience as a young author with the challenges of autism, depression and anxiety, along with her writing theme of acceptance and overcoming obstacles, have led to her having a junior school class named after her.

Non-Fiction

The third in the Little Jack series. Being rescued was only the beginning of Little Jack’s adventures. Imagine a home with the pitter-patter of scampering and stampeding paws during fun-filled, rambunctious, frolics. Imagine a home where the felines rule!

How will Little Jack, a blind rescue cat, respond to the new invaders that are about to be introduced within an already colossal brood of feline friends? Will there be anarchy among individuals? Or will special friendships develop?

Little Jack and the Ginger Invaders, the third in a collection of stories about Little Jack, is told from both Little Jack’s and Tiny Tim’s perspectives.

A true account, it tells of Little Jack’s fascinating journey and unfolds the truth as to why Little Jack is just so special. This is a story full of love, challenge and loss and it encompasses just how much this once unwanted, abandoned and unloved cat has touched the hearts of so many. An emotive read this is, brimming with hilarity and at times, profound sorrow.

Author Davina Hanes, born in 1972, lives in the North West of England with her husband Darren and her treasured feline brood. Both have two daughters who they cherish. She has an Honours degree in Teaching and Mentoring and she works full-time within an educational establishment.

Her dedication to mentoring, however, took on an entirely new purpose when, several years ago, she became immersed in animal rescue: helping those of a feline kind. Following the adoption of her first ever cat, Magic, from Oldham Cats Rescue, she became an unpaid volunteer there, her current status being Assistant Manager of the Rescue.

Her unpaid rescue work, amongst other volunteers, has played an integral role when it comes to the care and rehome of abandoned cats. With her dedication and love for helping the feline kind, Davina has fostered hundreds of pregnant mums and kittens over the years, all of which, once fully weaned and returned to the Rescue, have been successfully rehomed. Within the world of Rescue, Davina has witnessed many a heartache, but she testifies, the moments of survival and happiness by far supersede this.

Rescue has simply become her life. Her furry family, her world.

All proceeds from this book will go to help care for, medicate and feed the cats and kittens of Oldham Cats Rescue, a Charity very close to her heart.

Non-Fiction

This true, moving and humorous story, the sequel to best-selling The Life of Little Jack, provides an insight into the life of a remarkable blind rescue-cat.

Little Jack’s fate changed suddenly when a small rescue charity accepted him as a small kitten. Through the support of this charity, Jack found his ‘forever home’. This book, spoken through the voice of Little Jack, encapsulates his personality and those of his furry peers; it explores feline integration with emotive candour, hilarity and sadness alike.

With much feline, predatory frolic, will Little Jack cope amongst a furry brood of superlative specimens? Within his short life, Jack has already been subject to many a challenge…is he resilient enough to overcome these? This remarkable little cat has already touched many a heart. What exactly is so special about Little Jack and his furry family?

Read on to discover more about Little Jack’s extra-sensory perception. Experience his trials and tribulations, laugh and cry at his fun-filled frolics as he overcomes barriers he encounters.

Author Davina Hanes, born in 1972, lives in the North West of England with her husband Darren and her treasured feline brood. Both have two daughters who they cherish. She has an Honours degree in Teaching and Mentoring and she works full-time within an educational establishment.

Her dedication to mentoring, however, took on an entirely new purpose when, several years ago, she became immersed in animal rescue: helping those of a feline kind. Following the adoption of her first ever cat, Magic, from Oldham Cats Rescue, she became an unpaid volunteer there, her current status being Assistant Manager of the Rescue.

Her unpaid rescue work, amongst other volunteers, has played an integral role when it comes to the care and rehome of abandoned cats. With her dedication and love for helping the feline kind, Davina has fostered hundreds of pregnant mums and kittens over the years, all of which, once fully weaned and returned to the Rescue, have been successfully rehomed. Within the world of Rescue, Davina has witnessed many a heartache, but she testifies, the moments of survival and happiness by far supersede this.

Rescue has simply become her life. Her furry family, her world.

All proceeds from this book will go to help care for, medicate and feed the cats and kittens of Oldham Cats Rescue, a Charity very close to her heart.

A touching. heart-warming account of a man and his beloved, heroic Labrador dog. But Echo is something special. With the dedication and persistence of his handler, he is trained to be part of a search and rescue team called upon to travel to disaster areas around the globe to assist in locating survivors trapped among piles of rubble.

The bravery of Echo and his handler is recalled in vivid detail as they cope to deal with tragedy and heartbreak in their own ways. Sometimes it can be hard facing up to the challenges and they come perilously close to death but their determination is there for all to see.

Years later, Echo is rewarded for his sterling work with the Pride of Britain award, one of such accolades he receives.