Tower and Town, November 2024 (view the full edition)The Secret Advehtures Of RoloI started writing The Secret Adventures of Rolo series in 2014 with a view to engaging children with history in a fun but educational way. The national curriculum for 7-11 year olds seemed a little rigid. My recently rescued Jack Russell, Rolo, became the perfect vehicle for explaining history. Rolo discovers the ability to time travel through a tree in Savernake Forest and the idea of him 'making things happen in history' was born. Events began local to Marlborough, and then became national and international, tying in topics from the national curriculum for KS2 history as the series progressed. My modus operandi is to thoroughly research an historic event and then weave a story as to how the little dog might influence what is happening - he is seldom just a witness. Reading about recent analysis of an archaeological discovery on social media inspired a chapter in the 5th book, 'the blue-toothed woman' - which led to a meeting in Dublin with an archaeology professor who now uses my books to demonstrate to students how children's literature can spark young interest in archaeology - an even greater bonus than my original intention! Several of Rolo's adventures originate from archaeological 'finds' from the Iron Age, (Chiseldon) Bronze Age (Amesbury and East Anglia) and Pompeii. Children have long been fascinated with dragons and other mythical creatures - perhaps because no one has ever disproved their existence, and my stories fuel that fascination. Rolo encounters many dragons including the white of Wessex and red of Wales, as well as releasing a group of unicorns from captivity in Silbury Hill and he discovers he can explore myths and legends, whether the story of Gellert, faithful hound of the Welsh Prince, or Greek Mythology as featured in book 4 'Jewel Dog and the Dragons' where he meets Helen of Troy and helps Persephone. I am saddened when I hear that some schools don't allow fantasy or historic interpretations on their library shelves, preferring only 'current' and 'factual' lessons. A perfect childhood to me involves running around ruined castles using imaginative play to escape from dragons and pretend foe. My aim in storytelling is all about unleashing creativity with 'what if' and children respond with fabulous made-up stories about their own pets or mythical creatures. The world would be a sorrier place without the tapestry of stories, myths and legends to enrich childhood. Let us keep children adventuring and 'believing' as long as we can! Debi Evans still offers free author visits to Primary Schools www.debievans.com  Debi Evans |