Young readers will soon encounter an adventure story that intertwines conservation themes.

Dancing Sloths, written by Louise McCann, was inspired during the Covid-19 pandemic when she was teaching online and aimed to make learning more engaging for children studying from home.

The story covers aspects of the rainforest curriculum, including the growth of tropical rainforests, the animals and plants living in each layer, and awareness of global climate change.

Dancing Sloths has a foreword by Dr Niall McCann, a biologist, explorer, conservationist, and broadcaster, known for working with Sir David Attenborough on the BBC's A Perfect Planet.

Dr McCann had also visited St Swithun’s last May to speak on the importance of planet protection.

The illustrator of the book, Rachel Hudson, comes with a background in conservation, holding a first-class degree in the Anthropology of Art and a Masters in Illustration.

The book promises an adventurous journey with glimpses of wildlife, including whistling tapirs, dancing sloths, sleeping ocelots, and chattering spider monkeys.

St Swithun’s Prep School is set to host the book launch of Dancing Sloths soon. Further details regarding the launch will be revealed by the school.

Talking about the new book, Louise Caldwell said: "I write so that children can discover beautiful wild places, to highlight these places need protecting and most importantly to motivate children to become confident change makers.

"Writing for children allows me to have an impact beyond the classroom, to spark an interest, to generate curiosity, to create that excitement when a child discovers something new. I hope my writing connects children to nature, there would be something very special about that."

Liz Norris, head of St Swithun’s Prep School, said: "I am so proud Louise has researched and produced such a beautiful book. To have a children's book published is a wonderful achievement and to have a published author in our school is very exciting.

"Dancing Sloths is not just a story told alongside stunning illustrations but a book with a powerful message, which I love.

"The ethos here at St Swithun's is beautifully in line with Dancing Sloths in its aim to inspire a generation of confident, curious children who are ready to make a difference in the world."