Published on 16th May 2023, The Painted Cave is a story (and the first in a planned Tales of Tredham series) that once read is destined to become a literary favourite for its intended six to 12-year old audience.
The author’s first foray into writing fiction (he has previously published academic works on the history of Poland), The Painted Cave is an easy flowing read that sees its three young protagonists growing emotionally as they find themselves confronted by a situation far from their original planned adventure.
Inspired by the likes of AA Milne to create fiction that encourages self-growth and emotional development, The Painted Cave is a captivating and eloquent addition to children’s literature. Not only will it keep its young readers enthralled to its very last page but will encourage all to seek out The Lost Treasure (published this summer) which finds Rhiann, Ed, and Will in search of gold, whilst also attempting to save their village.
Summary of the book:
Three children, Rhiann, Ed and Will (aged 10-11), friends living in a small, remote village, are walking in nearby woods. They had hoped to explore ruins Will recently discovered but have lost their way. They give up the search to follow deer tracks, and briefly encounter a young doe, before inadvertently scaring the animal away.
A sudden storm then forces the children to look for shelter. They find a cave and take refuge from the rain. Inside, they find ancient rock paintings: hunting scenes and images of primitive people feasting and dancing. They are amazed: Ed is most struck by the pictures’ beauty, and Rhiann imagines herself as one of the hunters.
The children are then shocked by the arrival of Finn, an outcast driven out of their village many years before who now lives wild in the forest. The children are very frightened of Finn, who shouts at them that the cave is his place. Ed runs away out of the cave. Finn, accompanied by two dogs, follows him. Lost, wet and tired, Ed falls and breaks his leg. Finn catches up with him, frightening Ed. But Finn promises not to hurt him and carries him back to the dry of the cave.
The children gradually overcome their fear of the wild man as Finn tends to Ed, lighting a fire to keep him warm, and treating his broken leg. They share food, and the children thank Finn for his kindness and promise him friendship.
When the rain stops, the children ask Finn to help them get back home to the village. He agrees but asks them not to tell the villagers about the cave. The children agree, and they set off through the woods, Finn carrying Ed.
At the edge of the woods, in sight of the village, Finn stops. The children try to persuade him to go further, but he is too afraid of the villagers, whom they see across the fields searching for the children. Will shouts, attracting their attention. Knowing that the children will now be safe, Finn puts Ed down and turns to leave. Before he goes, the children repeat their promise not to tell about the cave and ask if they can visit Finn again: he agrees, then heads back into the woods.
Reunited with their parents, the children return to the village. On the way they tell their story but cannot convince the adults of Finn’s kindness: rather, their parents warn the children to keep away from the wild man, who is thought be the villagers to be dangerous. Rhiann, Ed and Will, however, remain sure of Finn’s essential decency. They imagine him watching them from under the trees, making sure they get home safely, and plan to go back to visit their new friend again in the forest.
The author says:
“I have conceived The Painted Cave as the first in a series of stories following the three children through various adventures and exploring the social and emotional world of their small community. Forthcoming stories will address themes of power and justice, wealth and poverty, exclusion, and generosity.
“I am first and foremost a parent, with a deep love for children and a sense of wonder at seeing them flourish and develop emotionally, socially, and cognitively. I draw my inspiration to write from my experience of parenthood - The Painted Cave has its roots in stories I invented for my (now 7-year-old) son while hiking in nearby woods. Other children's books that I particularly enjoy, and have influenced me, include classics such as A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh stories, Mary Pope Osbourne’s Magic Treehouse books, as well as Rooftoppers and Into the Jungle by my cousin Katherine Rundell. I particularly admire - and seek to emulate – how these authors use children’s perspectives (by turns innocent, wondering, and bemused) to explore complex emotional themes, within gripping narratives. I am also a fan of quirky fantasy, and of Terry Pratchett, particularly his use of comedy and light-hearted storytelling to address serious topics such as power and (in)justice.”
Published on 16th May 2023 by Moat House Publishing, The Painted Cave is available on Amazon at https://amzn.eu/d/cM7jq9f and https://amzn.eu/d/9diK6BH
It is also available at www.moathousepublishing.com
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