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A great review for Grey Squirrels London on Reedsy.
Must read š
A heart warming adventure of six squirrels that pursue the truth about their reality, identities and anxieties in contemporary London.
This is an astonishing book that keeps readers on their toes and is rich in content fertile for discussion and brainstorming. Hence, from the start, it successfully fulfills the purpose of its genre, since it is a well-equipped and intriguing example of a proper children's book that boosts the development of critical thought. What is more, it is filled with lots of correctly targeted vocabulary, both for simple and advanced children and learners of English, something which is very useful.
The characters are very well-written, each carrying their unique positive and negative attributes and surpassing multiple adversities along the path of the story, thus leading to a highly realistic and intricate character development. The average reader will enjoy their conversations and exchanges, which are laced with humour and caustic satire of everyday life in London.
The story had action, mishaps, sad and happy moments, and in general, it felt like a depiction of the struggles of everyday life. In that regard, I would like to bring to attention the elements that, in my opinion, make this story an adult story as well.
Grey Squirrels London carries social messages with astonishing realism and the utmost sincerity about all parties involved in them. The use of human language as a means to portray and criticize social discrimination and the fear of the different other, even if that other speaks your own language, is remarkable and must not be understated in the story.
Furthermore, the main characters undergo a quest to uncover their true identities in a harsh, very real world that constantly attacks them along the way, clinging on to what little kindness they can find. One of the final scenes, in which they stare at a magic mirror, brings to mind Jacques Lacan's mirror and levels of human perception. It is incredibly deep and powerful.
All in all, this is a great story, both if you are a child and an adult, because it does not linger in the humorous and action-filled zones but dares to traverse bolder, more painful pathways in order to convey significant messages. I definitely recommend Grey Squirrels London and I would purchase it for my child if i was a parent.
REVIEWED BY
In January, 2016, Simon was chosen to receive a B.R.A.G medallion. This is the interview done by Stephan Hopkins from B.R.A.G.
How did you discover indieBRAG?
IndieBrag found me; I still donāt know who nominated me! But I am very grateful.
Please tell me about your book, Andee the Aquanaut Series, Guardian of the Great Seas.
Andee is a young boy who lives on an island with his parents who are marine biologists. One day a great and frightening storm carries his parents out to sea in their dinghy. Searching for them along the shore, Andee is caught by a freak wave. Under the water he is saved by two dolphins heād previously befriended, Tingo and Tango. He is carried to safety, an underwater home, where the dolphins become his new family. Here he discovers he is the chosen one, a legendary aquanaut with the purpose of saving the oceans and battling the evil queen Zadora who seeks to over-run the Water Spirit kingdom and the Lost City. He is given a super-suit that allows him to become the heroic warrior he is under water.
What was your inspiration for this story?
Iāve been a surfer for most of my life. I wanted to create a character that would appeal to younger children, to inspire them (and educate them) to help our oceans. One day, while considering a character to present to a toy manufacturer, the concept of the young Andee unfolded. It was up to me to bring him to life, which I believe I have done through the series. I guess he is a part of me. His adventures and quests are challenging, which I love.
Tell me a little about the Aquanauts of the Marine Kingdom; the Lost City.
The legendary Aquanauts were warriors and protectors of the Lost City. The Lost City is an underwater paradise that was guarded for its resources. It was ruled by a compassionate merking (mermaid king). When the king lost his wife and became ill he remarried a mermaid named Zadora, unfortunately unaware of her evil intent. One weakness that the mermaids and men of the Marine Kingdom had was their lust for gold, a lust so strong it could turn the merpeople against one another. Zadora lived and breathed only to have it all for herself once she became queen. The Lost City is filled with gold, among other treasure, as well as cures for life-threatening illnesses. So, to protect his people from lust and greed, the king told them they would not be allowed to return to the Lost City, that they would be safe in the Marine Kingdom, no longer tempted by the gold. The Lost City was then protected by the aquanauts who, over time, disappeared. But, with Queen Zadora gaining more power as the king fell more ill, Andee was called to protect the Lost City from her malicious plan to overthrow the entire kingdom. He was once a legendary aquanaut.
What fascinates you the most about the ocean?
Everything; the landscapes, plants, marine mammals and, mostly, the undiscovered depths. Having seldom been down there, mankind can only imagine what exists beyond what weāve already seen. Thatās why I love it; with an imagination, anything could be possible until proven wrong!
How does Andee deal with a challenge he faces?
He has a strong sense of purpose and responsibility, and believes that his quests will bring him closer to finding his parents. He also falls in love with the kingās daughter, Yolanda. When she is under threat from the queen (spoiler alert) his motive to combat the evil queen Zadora becomes even stronger. So, yes, he deals with his challenges with love and a strong sense of purpose.
Is there a message you would like your readers to come away with after reading your story?
Always do the right thing, especially where the people and beings you care for are concerned. There is always a way to combat injustice, it just takes faith and courage. Once you put your intentions in the right place, you will start to see others begin to help you along your journey.
Could you please share an excerpt?
(Exert from Book One)
Andee and Yolanda swam into the Black Sea; the cold water was icy around their bodies. They saw a large reef covered in huge plants and seaweed, behind which they hid as they looked back in fear.
Zadora and the merman guards had also entered into the Black Sea and were searching for them. Their black hair flowed in the strong current as they held their spears raised, ready for attack.
The Black Sea was a cold and dangerous place for everybody. It was full of giant prehistoric sea life from hundreds and thousands of years ago. Andee and Yolanda hid in amongst the huge leafy plants. They hovered there holding onto the underneath of a huge leaf, swaying rapidly in the churning currents.
Zadora and the guards were getting closer, but they also had to be careful about the massive monsters lurking in the waters.
The water got very dark as the night was coming. It was getting more and more dangerous.
Suddenly the water lit up as giant dinosaur-monster eyes shone out like huge torches into the darkness. A huge roar through the sea broke the silence, and out of the blackness a dinosaur appeared. It surged through the water, chasing the smaller fish.
With its huge serpent-type head and long neck down to its humped back, it used its huge fins to plough through the water. Then, without warning, the serpent lurched forward and grabbed another huge monster fish in its mouth, biting the fish in half with one swift blow from its jaws.
Yolanda couldnāt help screaming, but Andee put his hand over her mouth to stop her just in time. As he did so he let go of the huge leaf that was keeping them hidden.
One of the merman guards caught a glimpse of them. He hissed and pointed with his spear.
āThere!ā he shouted.
Andee quickly pulled Yolanda out of the seaweed and swam away with all his strength. But just as he did so, the huge sea serpent spotted them. The serpent raced towards them, roaring with its huge mouth wide open.
āSwim! Andee!ā Yolanda screamed.
Zadora and the guards hissed and grinned.
āPerhaps the serpent will do the work for us,ā said Zadora. āCome on!ā she shouted, and together they followed behind the massive sea monster.
Andee was swimming hard. āI canāt outswim him, Yolanda. Heās too fast. We must try and find somewhere to hide.ā
Andee saw a small crevice in a rock below. āThereās only room for one person,ā he thought.
āIām going down,ā he said, āhold on tight. I can see somewhere for you to hide, Yolanda.ā
Andee swooped down to the crevice and quickly dropped Yolanda inside. āYou will be safe here,ā he said.
āAndeeā¦ā Yolanda shouted, āā¦look out!ā
Just as he turned he saw the huge sea serpentās jaws just about to snap on him.
āUse your suit,ā Andee suddenly heard a voice say. āUse your suit, Andee. Think and feel, and become one with your suit.ā
Andee shot out of the way just as the serpent bit down hard.
Smash! The serpent got a mouthful of rock as Andee sped away. But the serpent then let out a roar and gave chase on him again.
Where can readers buy your books?
Via Amazon. Not only can they read them, the books are available as audiobooks, too, also via Amazon.
How did you come up with the title?
I wanted an androgynous sounding name so both boys and girls could relate to the character, and I also wanted āAquanautā in the title. So, the name Andee the Aquanaut was born. Indee (for girls mostly) arrives toward the end of book two. The names together āringā well.
Who designed your book cover?
Cover designs and illustrations are done by award-winning artist, Zoran Zlaticanin. We have an amazing working relationship. We are totally in tune with each other; I love working with him. In fact, I also named Andeeās sidekick (from book two) āZoran, the dolphinā after him.
In 2015, Simon was contacted an interviewed by Dannie McClain from Dannie Speaks. Hereās the interview.
Did you always want to become a writer or did writing find you?
Writing found me. I am originally a product designer. I had designed a new character concept which was āAndee the Aquanautā. I took him to a toy agent from Hasbro. We had a meeting regarding having him produced as a toy. The agent told me that Andee really needed a story behind him, in order for the toy to succeed. So, he asked me if I could write one. I said I had never written before and, also, that I am, in fact, dyslexic; Iād never written before. He said, āI think you can do it. Shut yourself away and go into Andeeās world.ā He then added that a lot of famous writers are in fact dyslexic. I didnāt know this and was surprised and encouraged. So, I went away to write. And the rest, as they say, is history. I have written 5 books now and Iāve also co-written a screenplay. Iāve also just finished the first book in my new childrenās series called Menosaurus, which will be a 6 to 12 book series (depending on how far my character takes me)!
When you started writing, were you quickly drawn to writing your stories for youth?
Not really. I think I just āfellā into writing for youth. I love writing at a fast pace with never a dull moment, and I discovered that writing for kids gives me that thrill. I love the excitement of āmake believeā, and also creating new ideas for characters and superheroes. The skyās the limit; thereās so much you can tune into.
The Andee The Aquanaut Series is for ages 6 to 14. What inspired you to write this Series? Did you set out to write the series to support marine life?
Well, I think I have answered this question coincidently in question one. But, also, Andee is such a strong character under the ocean, heās a real eco-warrior, and the way he serves and protects the marine life; it just inspired me to consider donating to marine charities. I just think that Andee is a great young ambassador for the oceans; we need one at the rate we are losing our precious marine species today and plastics in the oceans. Plus, I love the ocean and I surf regularly. I love being in the water. So, if I can save a shark and a dolphin (or two) then this would make me and Andee happy!
Proceeds from your Andee Series help support marine charity, Protectors of Dolphin and Whales. Can you tell us more about this cause?
The Protectors do a great job around the world in making the public aware of whatās happening to whales and dolphins being āover-fishedā and exploited.
Theyāre slaughtered in inhumane ways via cruel hunting and killing methods and, also, those hunting them actually fuel the captive cetacean industry by providing cetaceans to marine parks. Dolphins might look happy as they have a permanent smile on their faces. But this is the illusion. I can assure they are not. In captivity they āwork for foodā, they become ill easily, are force-fed various drugs to keep their temperaments balanced and, most importantly, they have their freedom taken from them. Dolphins swim up to 100 miles per day, this is what they do. But in a tank they swim around in pools not much bigger than 10 to 20 meters in diameter. So, itās the exploitation of these majestic animals that really needs to be brought to the attention of the public. Andee agrees, of course! In the wild, some orgs do a lot of research that often helps to prevent the beaching of dolphins and whales. Seismic testing and so on interferes with their sonar and can cause internal bleeding on the brain. Marine orgs work to put this to an end. They also work on issues like āincidental by-catchā which is when small cetaceans and other marine mammals get entangled in fishing/trawling nets. Basically, Andee also takes care of issues like these with his super powers in the books!
With your love of marine life, is your character, Andee, based on a version of you as you grew up to love the marine world?
Totally, I love the ocean and have always been fascinated by it as a young boy. I was the seven-year-old kid in the facemask and flippers, pretending to be the man from Atlantis looking for crabs and fish (oops, Iām showing my age now)! I also used to live in the swimming baths. I wouldnāt get out until I was a prune! The ocean has always fascinated me as we still know so little about it. We know more about space than we do about whatās down there in the depths of the oceans. And thatās why I love writing about it so much; thereās just so much to write about down there! Anythingās possible, and I can do this vicariously through Andee.
With the Andee series ongoing, what is in-store next? New books, events, another series to support a new cause?
Actually, Andeeās full story is by no means finished. I will definitely be writing more about him in the future. In the meantime, itās great that readers are getting to know him. I am currently writing, and have just finished the first book of my new childrenās science fiction series called Menosaurus. Basically itās about a superhuman race who were around on Earth before the dinosaurs. They have evolved over millions of years, becoming a highly-intelligent race, but they can change back into dinosaurs. They left the Earth when a meteor struck, but now theyāre coming back. I love writing these books as I also love dinosaurs, and have done so ever since I was a small boy. They fascinate me, too. There is a great cast of characters in these books, and lots of humor in there, too. Itās something very different, and I am hoping the kids will love reading the books just as much as I love writing them.