BERTIE and Archie are real, live, talking Little Bears who speak English and Bear Language, yet often get mistaken for Teddy Bears. But living in the mountains of Europe away from children made the Little Bears sad.

“The Bears of Bopplestone - Book 1 with Tails” has been written by Copplestone author Frank Bristow.

When speaking of his book, Frank said: “It’s a story running alongside certain people who share the secret about the Little Bears and help them in their quest to fulfil their deep longing to be a part of the world that we people live in.”

Frank came up with the Bear Language as a way of encouraging creativity amongst children: “While thinking about writing these stories, my wife and I hatched up a plan to develop a language unique to these Little Bears. We were having dinner in a hotel in the Canary Islands, and started talking this funny little version of English!

“We ended up in hysterics – what other diners thought, I cannot imagine!...

“What children lack so much today is a ’fairy tale’ part to their childhood, make believe is in fact a part of early education enjoyed and shared by far more than the human race...”

The story includes fantastic illustrated pictures by Rachel Toll which capture incidents in the adventures of the Little Bears as well as songs.

Published at the end of June, and available at Crediton Community Bookshop, the book will be celebrated with a launch at Crediton Congregational Church, in association with Crediton Community Bookshop, on Tuesday, November 8 from 3pm to 8pm.

The event will include readings and refreshments and there will be a stall by Crediton Community Bookshop.

Frank explained: “The afternoon is particularly for mum’s and children and anyone else who can drop-in for readings, songs and an exhibition of the book’s original paintings, with tea, coffee, squash and biscuits.

“From 6.30pm to 8pm there will be drinks and nibbles plus readings, one or two songs from the book and an exhibition of the original paintings by artist, Rachel Toll.

“There will be a special offer for the launch of the book, which would make a good Christmas/birthday present for children four to 11-years-old.”

“The Bears of Bopplestone - Book 1 with Tails” is published by Austin Macauley, paperback £9.99 and hardback £15.99.

Alan Quick