A New Star is Born! The National Memorial Arboretum has unveiled its first-ever children's book, Arbie and the Magical Lights, just in time for February half-term.

By Tom Drysdale

Half-Term Fun with Arbie

The book's charming protagonist, Arbie, is a young, fluffy owl who lives at the Nation's year-round place to remember. From February 17th to 21st, Arbie will take centre stage in the Arboretum's family activity program. Free interactive storytelling sessions, led by skilled storytellers, will help children explore why light is magical. Arbie will also feature on the Animals in Remembrance outdoor trail sheets, guiding young visitors through the stories of animals in the armed forces, from mascots and mythical creatures to real-life heroes. Children completing the trail can return to the Remembrance Centre for a special treat.

A Labor of Love

Arbie and the Magical Lights was written by Maria Howes, Head of Marketing and Business Development at the Arboretum, and features enchanting illustrations by local Lichfield artist, Leah Riley.

"Writing Arbie and the Magical Lights has been a real labour of love and an opportunity to let my imagination run free," says Maria Howes. "We’ve been developing the character for a couple of years now, with Arbie as our visitor guide for the Arboretum’s winter light trail, and his own story felt like a natural next step."

Howes adds, "I couldn’t have done this without the support of my wonderful family and colleagues and talented artist Leah, whose beautiful drawings brought my words to life. Storytelling is at the heart of what we do at the National Memorial Arboretum, and reading books together with my own children is always a special and treasured time. It’s wonderful to think that my story about Arbie might provide similar moments of joy for other families, while also raising funds to support the Arboretum’s charitable work.”

Supporting the Arboretum

Arbie and the Magical Lights, along with a delightful range of Arbie-themed gifts, toys, and keepsakes, are available for purchase at the Arboretum’s Remembrance Centre shop and online at https://shop.thenma.org.uk/collections/the-arbie-collection. All proceeds from these sales support the Arboretum’s charitable work in remembrance and education.

A Place of Remembrance and Inspiration

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is a year-round sanctuary where the nation can honour those who have served and been lost. Opened in 2001, this 150-acre living landscape, part of the Royal British Legion, has become an integral and inspirational space, home to approximately 25,000 maturing trees and over 400 memorials. Located at the southwestern edge of the 200-square-mile National Forest, this multi-award-winning site encompasses stunning gardens and woodlands.

Honouring Sacrifice

Situated on land owned by Tarmac and leased on a peppercorn rent, the Arboretum houses the striking Armed Forces Memorial, which commemorates those killed on duty or as a result of terrorism from the end of the Second World War to the present day. For more information, please visit www.thenma.org.uk

Have a positive community story to share? Email Tom Drysdale at teamburtonecho@gmail.com, and we’ll do our best to bring it to life!

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Arbie the Owl Takes Flight at the National Memorial Arboretum.