THE second Stroud Book Festival will see the launch of children's book 'Uley Blue' inspired by the Museum in the Park.

The new pocket-size book tells the tale of Uley Blue, a little hare with a big imagination who visits her grandfather Scarlet Red Hare while he is at work at Stroud’s Museum in the Park.

This year's festival runs from November 2-5.

“We’re delighted that one of the festival events taking place here will be the launch of a brand new picture book by local illustrator Tracy Spiers who was inspired by the museum’s collection and our local heritage,” said Ann Taylor, learning programmes officer.

As she explores the museum Uley’s magic enables her to have tea with the ammonites, ride a mammoth around Cainscross roundabout, be knighted by an important man in a painting, get threatened by an early animation machine and dance with a statue in the museum’s Secret Garden.

Illustrated and written by Tracy Spiers, Uley Blue also pays tribute to the textile industry of the Stroud valleys.

Scarlet red and Uley blue are two of the woollen cloths which could be seen drying out in surrounding fields on tenter hooks.

“There are so many rich stories waiting to be told in the museum," said Tracy It’s about asking the right questions and looking beyond what is in the cabinets.

"I hope `Uley Blue’ will inspire the young and old to enjoy this special place using their own imagination,” said Tracy.

Stroud News and Journal:

The limited edition 60-page A6 book, which features hand-drawn images of the museum’s objects, was supported by a bursary awarded by Stroud Festival.

It is the first book Tracy has published under Spotty Flamingo Publishing and is being launched on Saturday, November 4 between 2-4pm at the museum as part of Stroud Book Festival.

There will also be a Uley Blue trail and a bookmark making workshop for children.

For the full line up of Stroud Book Festival events and workshops click here.