Dersingham writer and traveller Lewis Batterbee pens first of many of children’s book series based on his world adventures
A construction worker has turned to writing a series of children’s novels based on his adventures travelling across the world.
Lewis Batterbee, from Dersingham, has released the first book of many in his series, designed for children.
After travelling across the world to destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, the United States and more, Lewis was inspired by his young niece to bring his adventures to life through a series of animals and characters.
The first book, titled ‘The Polo Bear Travels: Australia’, is all about a Polar Bear heading to the continent to learn more about it and face his fear of water. He has already sold more than 400 copies of the book locally.
Lewis said there is a hidden message for children in the series of books that they “shouldn’t look at someone and assume things about them”.
He said: “The stories themselves have been easy to come up with, they are lessons I have learnt. In every book, there is a major lesson I have learnt.
“The character Polo is scared of water, which is unusual as they live in water.”
Some of Lewis’ real-life Australian experiences are portrayed in the book, including how his friend taught him how to surf.
He added: “When I first left to travel, I was narrow-minded coming from Norfolk. Since then I’ve met friends from America and Australia which has changed things.”
To accompany his first book, which he has read to children at Ingoldisthorpe Primary School, Lewis has designed a cuddly “Polo Bear” to go with the book.
Lewis plans for a total of six books to be in the series, the first of which is available to buy on Etsy and Amazon.
He has also been going around to small businesses in West Norfolk, including Spar and Petals Tearoom in Dersingham, offering the book and teddy to sell.
Lewis has also worked with Hunstanton and Lynn-based rock band Deaf Havana to produce an audiobook of The Polo Bear Travels, accompanied by music by the band.
