A Rutland woman is getting ready to launch her newest book at a Rutland Water event.

Following the publication of her book of poetry in October 2022, Tracey Dene Powell has written and published a new title this year.

Her latest book is titled Oncar's Adventure at Rutland Water, and is aimed at primary school aged children - and some local children from Langham Primary School have already been enjoying the book and providing feedback to enable Tracey to make the final edits.

Now that these edits have been made, the book is ready to be officially launched this month.

On 10 June 2023, the book will be launched at Sykes Lane Information Centre at Rutland Water.

Tracey explained: "I have been working with Langham Primary School and Jonny Young, Visitors Services Manager, at Rutland Water to create a wonderful audiobook to inspire children to love nature.

"The book is about `The Rutland Panther' and how he meets various creatures around Rutland Water to learn about the nature of the forest, friendship, support, loyalty and trust. Each creature has a different genre of music/instruments making this book a fully engaging experience for every young mind and listener."

Oncar's Adventure at Rutland Water. Image credit: Kevin Becken / Tracey Dene Powell.

Tracey is a local Rutland artist and writer from Whissendine and she is passionate about nature, having already published a collection of nature notes written by her good friend after he passed away in 2020.

Now, she is sinking her energies into encouraging Rutland's youth to get involved with nature, learn about the local area, and be inspired by the legend of the Rutland Panther.

Tracey shared a bit about her creative background, and the importance of this new project: "I have written many songs as well as several plays. My musical `Phantom Love' was even performed at Curve theatre by Catmose College students. My first book was published last year called `My Little Book Of Grief' but this latest project is by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done."

The cover of Tracey's latest book. Image credit: Kevin Becken / Tracey Dene Powell.

Oncar's Adventure at Rutland Water follows Oncar the panther as he journeys around Rutland Water after escaping from captivity. He meets a range of animals and learns about trust, friendship and respect.

A free audio download is accompanied by a physical book which has many beautiful illustrations by Kevin Becken. It was sponsored by Whissendine residents, David and Jean Penny.

Their sponsorship has enabled the creative team to give every primary school in Rutland free copies for their class size. These books are going to be delivered to every school in Rutland from 5 June. Tracey hopes that the books will later be given to children in neighbouring counties, including Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and even Cambridgeshire.

The audio soundtrack can be found online.

The book is already available at the Whissendine shop. Image credit: Tracey Dene Powell.

Tracey said: "To know that my book is going to reach and inspire so many children is the most wonderful feeling. My vision is to inspire young minds to develop a love for nature; when love and inspiration meet, magic happens.

Diane Rowland, Headteacher of Langham Primary School said: "Tracey first came to visit the school over a year ago when she had been inspired by her friend and Langham Resident Bob Sheridan to continue his legacy and love of nature.

"Tracey asked for our thoughts about her book at the very initial stages. She wished for our children to contribute their ideas, asking many questions - is it engaging? how can it be improved? what should be included? etc etc etc!

"The children were invited to come to my office if they were interested in giving their viewpoint. It was clear from the show of hands that almost every child was keen to participate. Therefore each house came in turn and up to 30 children from Year 1- 6 squashed into the office to hear the story, listen to the audio and feedback their thoughts!"

Ms Rowland and David Penny. Image credit: Tracey Dene Powell.

Ms Rowland added: "Being involved in this project has been so exciting. The local theme raised the children's interest from the start and as children have such an innate interest in and often passion for nature we knew we were onto a winner in terms of engagement. The children came up with many thought provoking and of course, honest comments including; give each chapter a name, include a map. The children were delighted their suggestions were listened to and acted upon!

"Not only have we been involved in something very special, Tracey and her team have fully resourced a class set of books for every school in Rutland alongside the audio download for free".

The book is packed with pictures inspired by local nature. Image credit: Kevin Becken / Tracey Dene Powell.

This book will be available to purchase at Sykes Lane and Egleton information centres at Rutland Water, Rutland primary schools and other local Rutland outlets for just £7.99. This book will not be available on Amazon as the team feel that it is important to support the local schools and community.

The official launch will take place on Saturday, 10 June at 2:30pm at Sykes Lane Information Centre, Rutland Water and everyone is welcome to attend this event.

Along with author Tracey, Kevin Becken (Illustrator), Diane Rowland (Headteacher at Langham School), Jonny Young (Visitor Services Manager at Rutland Water), the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Jeannette Warner, will be at the book launch, alongside Geraldine Feehally, The High Sheriff of Rutland, Sir Laurence and Lady Howard, Tim Appleton MBE and Mark Andrews, CEO Rutland County Council.

Kevin Becken, Tracey Dene Powell and Jean and David Penny. Image credit: Tracey Dene Powell.

Dr Sarah Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, said: "This sounds such an exciting and worthwhile project. It is just the sort of thing that I love – encouraging the next generation to appreciate nature is so important. I know our new King would feel the same. I would love to see the book. The soundtrack is fantastic – very effective!

"I am, therefore particularly sorry that I will be unable to attend – I will be out of the country so there is no possibility. However, my delightful and enthusiastic Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Jeannette Warner will be very pleased to attend in my place as His Majesty's representative."

Oncar illustrations. Image credit: Kevin Becken / Tracey Dene Powell.

Primary schools in Rutland have already confirmed that this book will be used as a wonderful educational tool to assist them with teaching young minds about nature and, as it has a free audio soundtrack, it will also assist those children who need a little help with their reading skills.

Tracey concluded: "We hope to inspire children to not only develop a love for nature but also engage with their imaginations in all the magic Rutland Water has to offer.

"Jonny Young at Rutland Water is as excited as I am that our book will encourage many more visitors to Rutland and, in particular, Rutland Water to discover what a beautiful county we are fortunate to live in.

"I see this book as a force for good bringing families together in a fun way as they explore the Panther's trail around Rutland Water and creating a healthy activity for everyone to engage in.

"Our hope for the future will be to provide free books to more primary schools ie in Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and neighbouring counties."

Watch this space to find out if and when Oncar may be heading into your local schools...