Telford author Roy Bradshaw has released a new children’s book titled Sam Spiralli, the Seriously Nutty Squirrel, shedding light on the challenges faced by native British red squirrels. In this adventure, Sam Spiralli, a red squirrel, must navigate the growing threat posed by invasive grey squirrels, who are increasingly taking over his territory and hoarding his acorns.
The inspiration for the book came from a documentary Bradshaw watched on the struggles of native red squirrels in the UK, which often face challenges from the rapidly spreading grey squirrel population. “Sam Spiralli, the Seriously Nutty Squirrel” portrays these struggles in a fun and educational way, making it an engaging read for children.
“Sam is not quite clever enough to solve the problem on his own, so he enlists the help of his friends,” Bradshaw explained. “The book is about teamwork and the importance of working together to overcome challenges.”
Bradshaw, who resides in Madeley, is no stranger to writing children’s books. Sam Spiralli is his ninth release, and like his previous works, it blends education with humor. Bradshaw has a diverse professional background, including experience as a teacher and engineer, which has likely influenced his approach to creating books that are both entertaining and informative.
Illustrated by Lisa Williams, Sam Spiralli, the Seriously Nutty Squirrel also includes a hands-on component, with a line drawing and 3D model net of Sam Spiralli at the end of the book. The model is free to copy and use, making the book ideal for school workshops and other educational settings.
“I wanted to create something that could be used in classrooms and libraries for model-making workshops,” Bradshaw said. “It’s not just a story—it’s a tool for learning and creativity.”
In addition to the printed version, Bradshaw plans to release an audiobook version, narrated by Rebecca Courtney, an actress best known for voicing Laa Laa in the children’s TV series Teletubbies. The audiobook will be available on Amazon.
The book, aimed at children aged six to nine, is available for purchase through Bradshaw’s official website, www.roybradshaw.co.uk, as well as on Amazon and in bookshops such as Waterstones. Readers can also contact the author directly for inquiries or to arrange book signings.
Bradshaw’s diverse career includes work as a teacher in primary, secondary, and special educational needs schools, as well as experience as a metallurgist and engineer in the automotive industry. His varied background gives him a unique perspective on creating children’s books that are both entertaining and educational.
