Cookham author launches children’s book inspired by the Thames

In an exciting new chapter for author and mum Amanda Boulding, Save Our River! has been published by The Lela Initiative as the first title in a new children’s series, The Willow Bank Tales.

For those living in Cookham and Marlow, the River Thames is a familiar and much-loved presence, winding gently through the landscape. Now it has become the inspiration for a new picture book carrying an important message for young readers.

Amanda’s Save Our River! is a gentle yet hopeful story aimed at Reception and Key Stage 1 children.

The book follows a family of otters who discover pollution flowing into their peaceful backwater. In one of the story’s most striking moments, the animals gather white shells and arrange them on the riverbank to spell out a powerful message: “SAVE OUR RIVER!”

Living close to the Thames in Cookham, Amanda has drawn heavily on the wildlife that can be spotted along the river locally. The pages are filled with her hand-drawn illustrations of willow-lined banks, darting kingfishers and, of course, the otters at the heart of the tale.

The book also marks a significant milestone for Amanda, who has recently signed with the publishing house The Lela Initiative. Save Our River! is the first title in the forthcoming series The Willow Bank Tales, which will introduce young readers to stories inspired by river life.

At its heart, the story celebrates teamwork, courage and caring for the places we love – a message that will resonate with families living along this treasured stretch of the Thames.

Save Our River! is available now from bookshops in Henley and Marlow.

For more information, visit amandaboulding.com.

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