Posted on 8 November 2022

Bodhi, a Romanian rescue dog who now lives in Bracknell, has become the hero of a new book that teaches children all about littering.

Inspired by her dog Bodhi, author Alison Heaslewood is launching her second children’s book Bodhi the Pirate Dog and the Great Pile of Litter. Born in Heston, Greater London, Alison says it saddens her when she returns there to visit her mum.

Alison said: “So much litter is carelessly left all over the paths and parks there. I live in Bracknell now, near the forest and unfortunately, litter is a problem there too. When I take my rescue dog Bodhi for walks, I’m always on the lookout for anything dangerous that he might pick up. Chicken bones left over from chicken that’s been thrown out for the foxes, chocolate bars, raisin packets tossed aside after football games.

"Having spoken to many dog owners I know I’m not the only one to feel concerned. Many dog owners in the area have mentioned their dogs getting ill after eating things or hurting their paws on things like broken glass. Bodhi is well trained and can often be distracted by his favourite squirty cheese, but it’s not always easy to catch your dog before they pick something up, especially if they’re off lead.”

Alison worked at a housing association for 17 years before giving up her job to self-publish her first book Bodhi the Pirate Dog. Since then, Alison has been touring schools across Berkshire, Surrey and Greater London where she has shared her its message about self-acceptance and celebrating our differences, with more than 5,000 schoolchildren.

In Alison's second book, Bodhi throws his ice cream wrapper in the river and accidentally sets off a chain of events that leaves the riverbank covered in rubbish. The story teaches readers about the impact of copying behaviour and the dangers litter can have on our wildlife and planet.

The real-life Bodhi the Pirate Dog came to England from Romania in 2018, where he was greeted by Alison who volunteered for Dogs Walk This Way Rescue, she said: “Bodhi was nervous of people and so afraid of the world - I found singing to him helped him relax. I made up a theme tune and started to imagine him as a heroic and brave pirate dog, travelling here by land and by sea, ready for all sorts of exciting adventures.

"I made Bodhi the Pirate Dog videos for my friends’ children. They loved the stories and I knew I had to write a book. Now I’m lucky enough to be running sessions in classrooms and I’ve had lots of incredible feedback and inspired children to write their own stories.

“I’ve visited over 40 schools this year and they’ve all said they’d love to have me back. I now have an audience of children excited to read and hear the next story. Children have really connected with the book. They love how it’s about a real dog and they find the ship made of cheese very funny.

"With my next book, I plan to work with local councils and other agencies to promote the book even further. I see this as a great opportunity to share another great and timely message - the importance of protecting our environment.”

The Mayor of Bracknell Forest Council, Ankur Shiv Bhandari, said: "It’s a fantastic initiative, helping youngsters of today to realise the important values of cleanliness in a really fun way. Alison isn’t just writing books, her work has real social value."

Bodhi the Pirate Dog and the Great Pile of Litter, illustrated by Heather May Williams, is available to pre-order between November 1 and 21, with an option to buy a book to donate to a child in need in the UK. Donated books will be shared between Sebastian's Action Trust, Berkshire Women's Aid, Plus Three Nurseries and Alexander Devine Children's Hospice.

Source: In Your Area