Children’s book author G. J. Bunce loves to write magical stories for children that read like folk tales. His debut picture book story collection, The Secret Adventures of Franacken Petalblower and Friends, is a series of tales about a secret world just outside our windows, that provides delightfully imaginative explanations for why things happen in nature, led by tiny folk wearing tinier capes.
As with many book-loving children, Bunce was enchanted by great writers like J.R.R. Tolkein and Roald Dahl as a young reader and started writing his own stories at a young age. In fact, Dahl lived in the next village over.
When he became a father, his two young sons became the receivers of his many exciting story adventures which add fun twists to reality, preferring those over their own children’s books. This and his family’s support led Bunce to pen his collection of stories for all children to enjoy. He hopes that his book inspires his young readers to go on their own adventures and appreciate nature, long after the book is closed.
Bunce is also a lawyer and lives with his wife, a willow sculptor and illustrator, in a village in Buckinghamshire. The surrounding countryside is the inspiration for the setting of his stories where he still enjoys walking to this day. When he’s not writing magical tales for children, Bunce, formerly a lead singer in a rhythm and blues band, enjoys music, live performances, and country life.
Quote from G J Bunce:
“The passion I share with Gina, Julia and team TOG Foundation, is to encourage families to explore and benefit from the wonderful world just outside our windows. This is precisely why my outdoor children’s book was created – adding a little touch of magic. My greatest wish is for toddlers to put down their tablets, pull at their family’s coattails and demand to go on an outside adventure to find Franacken and his friends. A loved one armed with a secret map and clues found on the book website simply must go on those family adventures………and it is very hard to say “no” to that request! The more time we spend away from screens the better in so many ways. You only need to look at the first book reviews to see how toddlers are getting their families to go on walks.”
TOG Says …