A Lovely Review of Hotspur and Friends - Pollinators
By Grace O´Reilly
"Hotspur and Friends - Pollinators" by Colin Thom is a beautiful children's book written and illustrated by the wonderful Colin himself. Colin is from Bonnie Scotland and is a retired architect who enjoys sketching, painting with watercolours and writing. This indie published sensation “Hotspur and Friends – Pollinators” is Colin’s first book in the 'Hotspur' series, and is available globally on Amazon here.
This is so much more than just a beautiful book as its themes are kindness, compassion for others, and the importance of being welcoming and charitable. “Hotspur and Friends – Pollinators” is a book that all libraries and teachers in both playschool and the younger end of primary school should have and read to children at story time. It is a great bedtime story for children and a nice reminder for parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to be kind.
The blurb at the back of the book reads:
“Wasp Queen Ezzmerelda selfishly wants all the flower nectar for her larvae and won’t let Hotspur eat any of his favourite delicious dandelions. When heavy rain puts Ezzmerelda’s nest in danger, Hotspur and friends bravely come to her rescue and save the day.”
Hotspur is a very old, very slow but also a very wise and kind tortoise. He is definitely my favourite character in this tale, and this beautiful book is such a delight, and in keeping with Hotspur's kind nature. The proceeds of this book go to the charity Guide Dogs in the UK.
Speaking of dogs, I actually read this book to our canine family member, Lady Misty, and she loved it. Ben, my 11-year-old, also read and loved it. His favourite character is Ssylvia the snake, yes Ssylvia has a double S. I also like Carmichael the bumble bee.
The subject of refugees, basic needs to live, and sharing our world are important messages in the book, as is teamwork and the importance of being a good friend.
“No creature should monopolise…” our world´s resources. “The human does that and look at the mess the human is in.”
All of the stunning artwork is so great, I wish that Colin made postcards and wall art for playrooms, nurseries and bedrooms. Colin has such a talent, (I literally can’t even draw a stick man, although I adore doing it). My favourite painting is the big one at the very start of the book with the Hotspur the tortoise quote on the opposite page that reads:
“Our world is a delicate balance of needs and mutual co-operation. We all have our part to play in maintaining this balance.”
Claire Thom (Colin’s daughter) is the founder of The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press and Podcast, and helped Colin along with Caroline Mellor and Mirjam Mahler to bring his work to life and put this marvellous wonder out into the world.
I´m already awaiting Hotspur’s next adventure!
A donation of 40 pounds has been made to Guide Dogs with the first round of royalties.
A huge thank you to everyone who has bought a copy. Please tell your pals and help spread the word about this absolute gem of a book.
