In June 2023, a children's book set at Rutland Water was launched, and the team behind the charming story have celebrated a huge charitable milestone.

Oncar's Adventure at Rutland Water by Tracey Dene Powell was introduced at at Skyes Lane launch event, and the team behind the unique children's book have since donated 1000 copies to children in primary schools across the county.

Tracey has been hard at work handing 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 worked with Langham Primary School and Jonny Young, Visitors Services Manager, at Rutland Water to create a one-of-a-kind audiobook to inspire children to love nature.

Tracey explained: "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, a Rutland-based artist and writer from Whissendine, has been supported by local sponsors and schools, and is delighted to have been able to gift so many copies of her book to local children.

Since the launch of the book, she has been 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 - by which Oncar's Adventure at Rutland Water was inspired.

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 a launch 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."

Over 1000 copies of a Rutland-based children's book have been give to local schools. Image credit: Tracey Dene Powell.

This book will is available to purchase at Sykes Lane and Egleton information centres at Rutland Water, Walkers Books, Warner's Sweet Shop and other local Rutland outlets for just £7.99.

The 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.

"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."