I am delighted to be able to share news of my new children’s book, which will be hitting the shelves in a few weeks time. Here’s the back cover blurb:
“She’s dreaming the history of Britain!” Dad said.
“No,” Mum gently corrected. “She’s dreaming the stories of Britain.”
When Meg Barton moves to Barton-le-Clay with her large family and Gog, her large dog, she is plunged into a series of remarkable adventures as the past and the present play leapfrog. What is happening to her? Who will be caught up in her next adventure? And will she ever solve this great British history mystery?
I am very grateful to Fiorella Nash, Helen Harrold, and Corinna Turner for their kind comments about the book:
An enthralling adventure that brings the mysterious world of Ancient Britain to life. I look forward to more exciting journeys in the company of Meg and her big-hearted family.
Fiorella Nash, author of the Father Gabriel Mystery series and other books
Roy Peachey has woven the dreams of an ordinary Catholic family into an exciting history lesson of our nation's beginnings.
Helen Harrold
Fans of classic children’s literature will enjoy this educational romp based around Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain.
Corinna Turner, author of the Carnegie-nominated I Am Margaret series and other books.
That probably gives you some sense of why the book is called Meg and the Great British History Mystery but what about the subtitle? In what sense is this a faith-filled family adventure?
There is an irony that, at a time when inclusivity is hugely important, Christians are being quietly edited out of children’s literature. How often have you read a book from a mainstream publisher in which characters pray or go to church? Fortunately other publishers, such as the wonderful Isaiah Books, have stepped into the breach. So, Meg and the Great British History Mystery is a book which is openly Christian. First and foremost, it’s an adventure book, but I haven’t shied away from matters of faith when they become important for the story.
But there’s another part to the subtitle. This is a family adventure. I was really struck a few years ago by a comment Frank Cottrell Boyce made in his sequel to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He pointed out that Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of those rare children’s books in which the whole family has an adventure together. (Do read the book if you’ve only ever seen the film. Roald Dahl’s dark screenplay completely changed the delightful original.) So, I’ve written a book about Meg and her family. They all matter.
We’re still working on some launch events, but I have got a couple of book-related talks already in the diary.
On Thursday 1st June, I will be at Redhill Library from 10.30 to midday, talking about China, Two World Wars, and Eric ‘Chariots of Fire’ Liddell.
Then on Thursday 8th June, I will be at Caterham Valley Library from 7-9pm as part of the Caterham Literary Festival, talking about The Olympics and a Great British History Mystery.
I’d be delighted if you’re able to join me.