All primary schools in the Tavistock and Okehampton area will receive copies of a bestselling author’s newest book series thanks to sponsorship by the Okehampton Lions and Tavistock’s deputy mayor.

The Wild Tribe Heroes book series, written by Cornwall-based Ellie Jackson to teach children about climate change, follows different animals as they overcome problems in their environment caused by climate change. The first three books in the series focus on plastic pollution.

The books also come with teaching resources to help inspire teachers and students.

They have received commendations from Sir David Attenborough and Prince Charles.

The mum of four said: ’It is so important to me that we engage with our children in the right way. Because each story is true to life, children can feel really connected to the animals and the problems they face, yet all the books have happy endings with positive ideas for the future. I want children to feel empowered and inspired to make changes.’

The author’s books were chosen for the #BacktheFuture campaign, a competition organised by Devon County Council and Newquay-based crowdfunder, which offered support to local projects attempting to tackle climate change.

Ellie was one of eight winners to receive support and she has now reached 100,000 school children in Devon with her books.

As part of the competition entrants had to manage their own crowdfunding and the competition organisers offered to match any donations made.

The books have now reached over 1.5 million children across the UK.

Ellie said: ’Coping with the last 18 months has been incredibly hard for us all, so I was overwhelmed to have such support from within the Devon community.

’Even in the middle of a pandemic, people are continuing to care passionately for our environment, and I’m excited to see the children’s energy and enthusiasm in the months to come.

’I want to thank everyone for their kind and generous support which, unbelievably, saw the project exceed its target within a few weeks.’

Every primary school in Devon is set to receive copies of the three books Hunter’s Icy Adventure, Buddy’s Rainforest Rescue and Sunny’s Blazing Battle featuring a polar bear, an Indonesian orangutan and koala respectively.

Okehampton Lions Club has sponsored all 14 primary schools in the Okehampton area so that pupils might have copies of the books in their school.

Okehampton Lion John Davey said: ’Okehampton Lions’ Club is very proud to sponsor Ellie and her excellent work. The books are great fun to read and also highlight the very serious issue of climate change which will affect our future generations if its not addressed now. We wish Ellie all the best with this current adventure.’

Deputy mayor of Tavistock Ursula Mann has sponsored the nine primary schools in the Tavistock area as well.

She said: ’It’s important that children are given positive ideas about how to combat climate change. Ellie’s books provide inspiration because they are based on true stories and show how individuals can make a difference.

’I sponsored the books because I want all children in Tavistock to have stories of resilience and hope available as we build a sustainable future.’

Ellie is now asking schools to get involved in a Devon School Environment Day tomottow (November 12) to coincide with the ending of the COP26 conference in Glasgow.

A wide range of activities are due to take place on the day including videos, workshops and other learning opportunities all based on how people can work towards stopping climate change.

Ellie is also working hard to bring local environment-focused charities together.

So far she has connected with Surfers Against Sewage, National Trust, RSPB and Cornwall Wildlife Trust, as well as local climate and marine conservation groups.

To find out more about the environment day visit www.schoolenvironmentday.com