While at university I wrote a story about a greedy shrew who learns to respect Mother Nature, having eaten an entire forest. After writing said story, I discovered Kabloom, a nature-orientated business producing eco-friendly Seedboms. Their grenade-like products disperse seeds for a colourful array of flowers into gardens. Using the power of a story to encourage readers to respect Mother Nature, alongside a product that allows users to revive it, I hope that families will feel empowered to think differently about our natural world.
Shrew’s spent his whole life using only one sense to hunt… his sense of smell; until a horrible case of the flu forces him to make use of the rest of his senses.
Once he hones the art of hunting – using his ears and nose combined – he’s forced to battle an impulsive urge to be greedy in order to sustain the forest he so dearly loves.
Teaching Children to Respect Nature
I see this campaign as a two pronged approach to doing something good for the environment; the first part of which is about encouraging “respect”. Throughout the book, families will relate to the temptation of having excess (whether it’s food, designer clothes or plastic packaged products, we’ve all done our fair share of consuming something we shouldn’t). In the story, Shrew notices that there’s a link between his greediness and the well-being of his forest. He has to decide whether he continues to be greedy – to the detriment of his surroundings – or whether he’ll change his ways in order to restore balance. Shrew’s decision to help the forest is a decision to respect Mother Nature, a decision that (I hope) will encourage readers of this book to do the same.
Empowering Families to Be Part of Nature’s Revival
The second part of our two pronged approach revolves around “revival”. While The Shrew with the Flu can encourage families to respect their surroundings, the story itself doesn’t help encourage nature to do it’s bit for us. This is where rewards play a crucial, exciting role.
By partnering with Kabloom, I’ve been able to incorporate eco-friendly Seedboms into my reward packages. Each and every backer eligible for a reward will receive at least one Seedbom; with which, you’ll be able to ignite a fire of colour and life within your local park, garden or green space. Those backing at higher tiers will receive a limited edition “The Shrew with the Flu” Seedbom.
I approached Kabloom because my family used their Seedboms for my 7-year-old sister’s birthday last year and absolutely loved them! With your participation in this campaign, I can finally have The Shrew with the Flu illustrated and published, and we can all be part of greener, happier planet.
Who is Bill Bath?
I am Will Hamilton-Davies, a.k.a Bill Bath (I’ve always wanted a shorter, catchy pseudonym). I’m a 21-year-old graduate from Newcastle University and I’m 1 of 6 siblings. I was inspired to start my journey as a writer whilst reading my younger siblings (Max, 8 and Emily, 5) bedtime stories last summer.
After months of creative writing alongside my uni degree, I wrote The Shrew with the Flu. As I’ve gotten more in-tune with discussions on climate change, the principles of this campaign (to respect and revive Mother Nature) have become more intertwined with my everyday life. I intend to spend the foreseeable future reading and writing children’s stories, hanging-out with my siblings and optimising my lifestyle for the benefit of the environment.
What can you do now?
You can put a smile on a child’s face (as well as Bill’s) and be part of a movement towards respecting and reviving Mother Nature, by simply buying this book.
Your support will help to fund the following:
There are very few risks with this project. All rewards (excluding copies of the book) can be distributed in time for Christmas. If you’re looking for a fun, unique and environmentally friendly present idea, pledging on this Kickstarter is perfect. Consider the wait for your fresh copy of the book an extension of your Christmas excitement. Regarding the book, I will receive rough illustrations from Jen by the 16th of March, to be coloured for the 27th of April. I will finalise all illustrations in early May, and intend to have all copies of the book printed and delivered to your doors by the end of the month. By then you should have had time to launch your Kabloom Seedboms (yes, I’m expecting photos!) and of found the perfect place for your paper stickers. Should anyone back this project from outside of Europe, it’s worth noting that countries will have varying policies regarding the shipping of seeds; said policies may impact the shipping of your Seedbom. Equivalent Seedboms or corresponding refunds will be issued where restricted items cannot be processed. I will keep you all in-the-loop using Kickstarter updates; you’ll see every step of the production process and get a real feel for the community you’ve become a part of. I cannot wait to get started! Much love, Bill x