Novel the Girl and the Goldcrest is a captivating story that plunges youngsters into a fantastical world where animals have Guardians that protect them from extinction, and these Guardians can communicate with some humans.
Believing the future of our natural world is in the hands of the next generation, this novel has been written to inspire children to do their bit to fight climate change. Whilst brimming with magic and otherworldliness, the author cleverly weaves in 21st century issues such as the need to protect our environment and standing up to school bullies.
With Steve Draper’s first novel showing all the hallmarks of a flourishing writing career in prospect, his intention to expand The Girl and the Goldcrest into a fully-fledged series will be an eagerly awaited addition to the middle-grade genre.
Synopsis:
“I promised him… I promised my dad I would always help wildlife.”
Emma promised her father that she would always try to protect wildlife, and when he suddenly disappears, she feels even more determined to keep her promise to him. One day, Emma Sparrow discovers an incredible secret: she can talk to ‘Guardian’ birds, appointed by Nature to prevent extinctions! Excited by her discovery, Emma embarks on a series of adventures with the Guardians and her friends. But evil is lurking where she least expects it, and soon, Emma must come face to face with the cruel Lord of The Air.
Will Emma and her friends be able to protect the natural world? Or will evil rule the roost? A magical tale with magical illustrations, The Girl and the Goldcrest is the perfect read for the next generation of nature lovers and climate activists.
Yorkshire-based author of the Girl and the Goldcrest novel, Steve Draper said:
“It was the desire to communicate the importance of environmental issues in an entertaining, rather than didactic way, that led me to begin the series. Greenerdawn is set in the real world – home, school, countryside, nature and so on. The only element of fantasy being Nature’s Guardians, who differ in their characters as much as humans. The children who have read it so far find it easy to connect with this, and readily identify with the environmental message.
“I have been involved in education all my working life; first as a Head of Performing Arts in a comprehensive school, then helping with music in primary schools, and lately with ‘reading for pleasure’, an important part of the school curriculum. I have been a very amateur bird-watcher for many years, with an equal love of the countryside and wildlife in general. Like most people, I have become increasingly worried about climate change over the years and I’ve joined local wildlife groups, helping with bird surveys, and management of the local river valley.”
The book itself is middle grade fiction and an eco-fantasy, although the existence of intelligent, human-like ‘Guardian’ animals is the only unreal feature.
