Collection: The Magical Adventures of Florence the Border Collie

Encouraging a Love of Reading

with a 23-Book Series

One of the greatest benefits of series books is that they can nurture a lifelong love of reading. Think back to your own childhood, anticipating the next book in a series, the next chapter of a book, or a comic.

Series books keep children captivated and excited about their reading journey. The series format encourages children to enjoy reading as an ongoing adventure rather than a once-only activity.

I have always loved to read and write, but I worry that non-violent, gentle, fun children’s books might soon be a thing of the past.

From an early age, I was in awe of the children’s writer, Beatrix Potter, and her Tales of Peter Rabbit series.

In 2024, I pictured myself creating a collection of children’s stories about my Border Collie, Florence. My first dog, Beatrix (yes, named after Miss Potter!), was a real adventurer, but Florence is not. She needs somebody to write magical stories for her, and I thought young children would be the perfect people to help me with this project.

With a plan in mind, I began visiting primary schools to talk to the children about being an author and the processes involved in publishing a book.

Following the same format as my first book, The Magical Tearoom on the Hill, which has a story and recipe in every chapter, I wanted each book in this new series to have both a magical tale and a recipe.

Taking inspiration from the multitude of notes and drawings from pupils at the different schools I visit, I create an adventure and a recipe for each book. The last book in this unique series will be a compilation of all the recipes.

The stories have been turned into magical adventures by the fabulous illustrations by Jessica from The Ricketty Desk.

I hope that children, along with their family and friends, can read the stories, recognise their words and ideas, and believe they have played their part in helping to write a book and create a new recipe.

Start collecting these books as they become available. Watch the faces of children when they receive the next book in the series. Maybe their school was part of this fabulous literary project. Have their words or ideas been used in the story?