A former Burnham-On-Sea resident has launched a new children’s book with an eco-friendly theme this week.
Sara Kightley — who grew up in Burnham-On-Sea and still has strong ties to her hometown with family living locally — has unveiled her first book.
Called ‘James finds the NAG Patch’, the book is aimed at young readers aged 8+.
Sara is aiming to teach youngsters all about the oceans and plastic pollution in a magical way.
She told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It’s a tale of a beloved family teddy bear who is accidentally lost out on the North Atlantic Ocean. There, with the help of a trusty piece of driftwood (Logsworth), James embarks on an epic journey drifting on the currents, crossing the ocean whilst awaiting rescue.”
“His journey is the same route some plastics take in real-life, to reach the North Atlantic Garbage Patch, known in this story as the dreaded ‘NAG Patch’!”
“While on the waves of the open ocean, James discovers he’s not the only one in need of rescuing. He meets the enchanting creatures of our blue planet, who are struggling to cope with the plastic invasion. Empowered to save his new marine friends, James sets out to help fight against ocean plastics and to stop the NAG Patch taking over the ocean.”
Passionate about our oceans preservation and our fight to save our planet from plastic pollution, Sara has set out on a mission to educate youngsters from the ages of eight upwards.
Sara’s commitment to the cause advances beyond the book, with her Husband, she has co-founded a community interest company – Yellow Button, named after a chapter in the book. With the aim of not to profit from pollution but to invest back into the community, contributing profits to environmental education and conservation projects.
Not only does she want to encourage people to be active within environmental conservation, she wishes to also empower those with dyslexia, a learning difference. As a dyslexic herself, Sara hopes to encourage confidence for those with the learning difference to explore the wonderful world of writing.
The story of James’s adventure is a truly heart-warming tale, not only does it focus on the plastic crisis but touches on the importance of imagination, creativity and family. This small but mighty bear shows how positive environmental change is possible with courage and determination.
The book was released on Earth Day (April 22nd), and can be bought online via the website at yellow-button.org.
“The teddy bear ‘James’ was inspired by a real life old teddy, owned by my mum and he is very proud to be a Burnham-On-Sea resident,” she adds.
When the lockdown is over, she hopes to take part in school environmental talks, sign books and hopefully create a ‘James’ beach cleaning event.
“We are also holding a colouring competition called ‘Decorate My Dungarees’ where you can win a signed, 1st edition copy of the new book via the website.”
