Today, Saturday 10 June, a new book set around Rutland Water was launched.

Oncar's Adventure at Rutland Water was launched this afternoon at Skyes Lane by author, Tracey Dene Powell, and the team behind the new children's book.

The book has already been given out to local primary schools in Rutland.

Tracey handed copies out to schools across Rutland. Image credit: Tracey Dene Powell.

Oncar's Adventure at Rutland Water is aimed at primary school aged children and comes with a free audio book download. The audio soundtrack can be found online.

Tracey explained: "I have been working with Langham Primary School and Jonny Young, Visitors Services Manager, at Rutland Water to create a wonderful audiobook to inspire children to love nature.

"The book is about `The Rutland Panther' and how he meets various creatures around Rutland Water to learn about the nature of the forest, friendship, support, loyalty and trust. Each creature has a different genre of music/instruments making this book a fully engaging experience for every young mind and listener."

Oncar's Adventure at Rutland Water. Image credit: Kevin Becken / Tracey Dene Powell.

Tracey is a local Rutland artist and writer from Whissendine and she is passionate about nature, having already published a collection of nature notes written by her good friend after he passed away in 2020.

Now, she is sinking her energies into encouraging Rutland's youth to get involved with nature, learn about the local area, and be inspired by the legend of the Rutland Panther.

Tracey shared a bit about her creative background, and the importance of this new project: "I have written many songs as well as several plays. My musical `Phantom Love' was even performed at Curve theatre by Catmose College students. My first book was published last year called `My Little Book Of Grief' but this latest project is by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done."

The cover of Tracey's latest book. Image credit: Kevin Becken / Tracey Dene Powell.

Oncar's Adventure at Rutland Water follows Oncar the panther as he journeys around Rutland Water after escaping from captivity. He meets a range of animals and learns about trust, friendship and respect.

The book contains beautiful illustrations by Kevin Becken, and it was sponsored by Whissendine residents, David and Jean Penny.

Their sponsorship has enabled the creative team to give every primary school in Rutland free copies for their class size.

The team behind the book and audio book, as well as local officials, attended the event on 10 June. Image credit: Nub News.

Tracey said: "To know that my book is going to reach and inspire so many children is the most wonderful feeling. My vision is to inspire young minds to develop a love for nature; when love and inspiration meet, magic happens."

Rutland's High Sheriff, Geraldine Feehally, attended the launch, alongside the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Sir Laurence and Lady Howard, Tim Appleton MBE and Mark Andrews, the CEO Rutland County Council.

Author Tracey, Kevin Becken (Illustrator), Jonny Young (Visitor Services Manager at Rutland Water), and the whole team were delighted to host the event.

Kevin said: "I can't say how delighted I am to be here today. This has been a thrilling event and to have so many dignitaries here is great.

I first met Tracy when she was auditioning the voice actors, and she asked if I knew an illustrator and I said me! A few scenes really captured my imagination, and I tried to capture those and to put the emotion of those scenes into the faces of the characters.

I also voiced the badger and the bat. That was interesting, as they have very different ways of speaking - especially when the bat is speaking to the badger! I did have to research some street slang for the role," he laughed.

"It has been a pleasure being involved."

Geraldine Feehally, High Sheriff of Rutland. Image credit: Nub News.

Geraldine said: "In my previous work I was a teacher, and I think that books and children go together very closely, and I think that this book, being an audio book, meets that challenge very well and will encourage young people to read and enjoy the content. So I commend Tracey.

"This is a timeless adventure story about characters who live in and around Rutland Water, including the elusive panther. It is an intimate exploration of the water under and ever changing sky, containing delightful descriptions of nature and the light and the water - and though we haven't mentioned it, I would say that the water itself is another character in the book.

"The characters have the understanding of friendship, respect and loyalty, and that is such an important lesson for young people to have.

"Congratulations to all."

This book will be available to purchase at Sykes Lane and Egleton information centres at Rutland Water, Rutland primary schools and other local Rutland outlets for just £7.99. This book will not be available on Amazon as the team feel that it is important to support the local schools and community.

Kevin Becken, Tracey Dene Powell and Jean and David Penny. Image credit: Tracey Dene Powell.

Tracey concluded: "We hope to inspire children to not only develop a love for nature but also engage with their imaginations in all the magic Rutland Water has to offer.

"Jonny Young at Rutland Water is as excited as I am that our book will encourage many more visitors to Rutland and, in particular, Rutland Water to discover what a beautiful county we are fortunate to live in.

"I see this book as a force for good bringing families together in a fun way as they explore the Panther's trail around Rutland Water and creating a healthy activity for everyone to engage in.

"Our hope for the future will be to provide free books to more primary schools ie in Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and neighbouring counties."