Giving wings to the Little Owl

Storytelling, social media collaboration and a willingness to pool resources have contributed to a Baptist minister publishing a charming book for a children’s charity in double-quick time.

The Tale of the Little Owl, a children’s story of love, loss and friendship, was written by Richard Littledale on 29 September and available to purchase just 66 days later.

The speedy turnaround happened thanks to the creativity and generosity of all who responded to Richard’s plea for collaboration through his blog and Twitter feed in early October. 

These included DJ Sara Cox, a contact through Richard’s BBC Radio 2 Pause for Thought work, illustrators Rachel Morse, Carol Morse and Danielle Somerfield, overall book design by Annette Peppis and printers McKnight and Bishop.

All donated their expertise free of charge, meaning that any funds raised from the sale of the book go directly to Momentum, the charity that supports children with cancer and life-limiting conditions.

Momentum had asked Richard to help after hearing about his book the Littlest Star, a similarly creative collaboration instigated by the minister of Teddington Baptist Church in 2011 in aid of Shooting Star Chase.

Richard, was only too happy to help. ‘I’m a great believer in using whatever gifts God has given us,’ he said. ‘I cannot run a marathon or dive from a plane, but I can write stories, which is what I have done.

‘Everyone contributed their time and talents for nothing. To be out in time for Christmas is a stupendous team effort.’

And DJ Sara is in doubt the story is a winner. ‘My 3 kids love the story of Mo, Jenny & Patch,’ she writes in the foreword, ‘and it's become a firm favourite before they get tucked up.’