Tall tales about a cuddly creature and his family are aiming to help children celebrate their differences and realise how special they are.
Helen Kent was inspired to publish her book “Giraffe Bear” thanks to the stories her granddad used to tell her and her sister when they were young.
She moved to Congleton in 2018, having lived in London for many years pursuing an acting career.
And it is pure coincidence that she wrote “Giraffe Bear” – after moving to Beartown.
“Giraffe Bear is a loveable, joyful character who lives with a family of bears,” said Mrs Kent, who also teaches performing arts.
“He is too big and clumsy for the world we live in, he’s not used to it, so he ends up bumping into things and causing all kinds of trouble!”
She added: “Through Giraffe Bear’s exuberance and clumsiness, children learn about kindness, friendship, and embracing one’s unique qualities.”
Mrs Kent said she was “really proud” of her late grandfather, World War Two paratrooper Philip Kent, who told tales of Giraffe Bear to her and her sister Vicky.
“Each week he would come up with another hilarious story of how Giraffe Bear got himself in a muddle with the world around him and would have us both laughing so much, it’s a wonder we ever got off to sleep!”
She had been planning to write her own book based on those tales from her childhood a few years ago and it was finally published in September, with “beautiful” illustrations by Shelley Eynon.
Mrs Kent, who put in an appearance with Giraffe Bear at Congleton’s recent Christmas lights switch-on, said the message behind the character was all about fun.
“As we grow older, life can take away our sense of fun and childlike innocence without us even realising it. I feel it is of the utmost importance that we teach children to hold onto these qualities despite what hiccups may come their way and to remind the adults that they are allowed to be like that again.
“Giraffe Bear doesn’t fit in with normal life, he’s very different, but he is accepted nonetheless by his new family. I want to make sure children celebrate their differences and realise how special and unique they are, not feel they are cast out because they don’t fit into the traditional ways of thinking or doing things.
“I also feel it is important for children to realise that life is about making mistakes, it’s normal, it’s how we learn and progress, but more often than not it is seen as bad, even that there is something wrong with you. Giraffe Bear, although taking responsibility for his actions, is not chastised when he messes up and therefore is able to learn and progress.”
Weekly episodes of Giraffe Bear’s adventures also appear on YouTube where he is joined by Fiona the Fairy, played by Mrs Kent, as they go out and about in the Congleton area.
“Giraffe Bear” the book is available at Congleton Library and can be purchased at Bare Health on High Street, priced £9.
Visit giraffebear.co.uk and youtube.com/@GiraffeBear.
