An Inverness children’s author has turned to the wild side for creative inspiration following the launch of her third book.
The eco thriller titled ‘Wilderness Wars’ by Barbara Henderson explores the issue of keeping our wild places in the wild and through the tense adventure story filling the pages of her latest novel, conjures up the questions, What if nature fights back?
Her previous titles, Highland Clearances tale Fir for Luck and Crystal Kite shortlisted Victorian novel Punch, are already widely respected titles, used in schools across the north.
Speaking of her latest publication, the drama teacher said: “Out of all my unpublished manuscripts, it was my favourite, and I was delighted when Cranachan took it on. With debates about the Coul Links development near Embo in full flow, it feels very topical right now.”
The book is being published by Lewis-based Cranachan Publishing, a company recognised for its producing of high quality historical fiction for children across the country, however; this eco thrilled is the first non-historical children’s title they have published.
Anne Glennie from Cranachan Publishing’s explains what prompted the divergence saying: “When Cranachan started publishing books two years ago, we decided to focus on children’s historical fiction, to teach children, in the most gentle and enjoyable way, about Scotland’s past through the medium of story.
“Now, with eight historical titles published as part of the Yesteryear series, which cover everything from World Wars 1 and 2, to Victorian times in Paisley and Inverness, to the Highland Clearances, we have decided to branch out into general fiction too.
“Barbara Henderson’s third novel to be published under the Pokey Hat imprint, Wilderness Wars, is all of those things. An eco-thriller set in the Hebrides is a timely lesson and a cautionary tale in how we should respect nature and our environment. It an ideal book to encourage study and discussion of how to protect our wild spaces and the place we call home, as part of topic work or eco-school projects.
“The most important thing though is the story, and in this latest addition to the Cranachan bookshelf, young readers will be swept along in a high-thrill, pacey plot full of action with characters they can relate to, to keep them turning the pages until the end.”
An official launch will take place at Waterstones in Inverness on Thursday, August 30, at 6.30pm.
