THE former headteacher of Austwick, Clapham and Horton-in-Ribblesdale CoE Primary Schools has written a second book for children.

Silly Island, by Brian Beresford, is a comedy - fantasy about life on a fictitious island where everyone is encouraged to be silly, have fun and share happiness.

Brian, who lives in Skipton, began his teaching career at Carleton CoE Primary School in the 1970s. He became a familiar face in many schools leading song workshops in Craven and the north of England as well as publishing 250 pieces of music for schools via One More Time! Music Publishing, and writing a book of short stories and poems for adults: ‘Speak of Angels’.

Last year he wrote his first book for eight to 12-year olds The Midnight Grocer.

Its success prompted Brian to offer free author visits to primary schools, and he has already been to almost 30 schools in the area, reading excerpts from his books and inspiring children to read, write and create stories.

The hilarious Silly Island, which is also aimed at eight to 12-year olds, includes silly school lessons such as rhubarb juggling and sports including a ‘sillylympics’ and a crazy football match against the mighty Brazil.

In an unexpected twist, an environmental disaster threatens the future of the islanders, and two young children who recognise that people must sometimes make important decisions, rather than being silly all the time, attempt to save the island and its people.

Silly Island is published by i2i Publishing. Signed copies are available from No 4 News + More, Gargrave Road, Skipton.

Brian’s books can also be purchased from Waterstones, Foyles, Blackwells, Wordy, Awesome Books, bookshop.org, Alibris, WH Smith and Amazon, as well as The Stripey Badger, Grassington