An author from Wadebridge has published a children’s book inspired by the enchanting Cornish woodlands. The Squirrels of Settledown Forest is David Lugg’s debut novel and follows the adventures of two squirrel siblings as they encounter a cast of colourful characters in the woodlands around their home.

David was raised in Cornwall and spent his childhood enjoying the beaches and Cornish countryside. His upbringing has heavily influenced his writing and, although Settledown Forest is fictional, there are echoes of Cornwall throughout the book.

Talking about the release of his novel, David said: “The initial premise came from a walk at Hustyn Woods, near Wadebridge. It was a classic Cornish spring day with sun and showers and the light was shining between the tree trunks like hundreds of torches. It was a magical scene and felt like the perfect setting for a children’s book.”

David now lives in Praia da Luz in Portugal, but is a regular visitor back to his homeland.

“I have been fortunate to live in various countries, but nothing inspires me more than coming ‘home’ to Cornwall,"

he continued.

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"It’s not only the scenery, it’s the people and the history and the traditions and the food. Even the unreliable weather plays its part. I think you can only truly understand how special Cornwall is when you leave it behind.”

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The Squirrels of Settledown Forest has already received acclaim from many school teachers and other children’s authors. Award-winning novelist Clare Helen Welsh is the latest to post a glowing review: “With a cast of curious, charming squirrels, talking fruit, illusive space monsters, grumpy aunts and much much more, this is a whirlwind book full of fun and laughter and plenty of twists in the tale (or should that be ‘tail’?).”

When not writing about squirrels, David is a freelance journalist and the vocalist for electronic group Division Code.

He said: “Writing about fantastical worlds of squirrels and hedgehogs is a great means of escape for me. If you loved books such as Winnie the Pooh or Alice in Wonderland then I hope you will enjoy my debut novel.”

With two other books nearly completed, we are set to hear a lot more from David Lugg, but for the time-being, why not delve into the world of The Squirrels of Settledown Forest to find a funny and heart-warming adventure for children and adults alike.

The novel is available to buy on Amazon.