We’ve received some heartwarming feedback this week from someone we respect greatly, wildlife presenter, broadcaster and writer, Ajay Tegala.

Following a nomination, shortlisting and short voting process, There’s No Deer Around Here and Any Trout About? picked up “Best Children’s Nature Learning Books” at the Little Trekkers Awards 2023. How great does that sound! Over the moon.

We’ve received a lovely email and testimonial this morning from Adam Ellis, Founder of For the Love of Water (FLOW) CIC. Adam had some kind feedback and has purchased books to gift to local schools in the Hampshire area.

We’re over the moon to receive a testimonial from none other than celebrity vet and tv personality, Dr James Greenwood. James is the resident vet on Morning Live (BBC), Lost Dogs Live (Channel 5), as well as being a practicing vet (Bristol), a dad, and an author as well!

Muddy Little Boots Publishing has been nominated for the Prestige Awards 2023/24. There will now be a shortlisting stage and we should know whether we have been selected later in the year. Watch this space!

This week, Dave Wallace, from Henley River Action Group acknowledged our book as a celebration of the British River and sent us a wonderful testimonial. Click to read more.

We’re delighted to be attending Trout N’ About 2023, Stockbridge again this year. This event holds a special place in our hearts. It is situated in our local town and Stockbridge was the inspiration for our second book entitled “Any Trout About?”. We decided to launch “Any Trout About?” at the event last year and let’s just say, they sold like hot cakes! The book is the perfect memento of the day.

This one is a really big one for us! Mottisfont (A National Trust Property) is a constant source of inspiration for us and sits on our doorstep in the beautiful Hampshire countryside.

How to describe Mottisfont… known for its bubbling brooks and rolling lawns, this 18th-century house and estate is a real feast for the senses. There’s space to run, jump and play, and always something for families to do, lots of family seasonal events, and they also have a brilliant gift shop and book collection - perfect!

We’ve been in dialogue with the National Trust and NT retailers across the country for well over a year and finally we can now say… drumroll please... we are on the National Trust suppliers list! NT have strict rules regarding stocking books and meeting a certain criteria so we are really pleased to finally be accepted and Mottisfont is just the perfect retail partner for us. We really look forward to collaborating.

We love it when, through customer recommendation, our books get picked up in the media. 2022 ended with a lovely article from @forumpublications. The article tells our story from our origins to the present day and reviews both MLB books. Such kind words - thank you so much Forum!

Big Garden Birdwatch is fun, free and for everyone. And you don’t need a garden to take part! Counting birds from your balcony, or your local park will play a vital role in helping us understand how UK birds are doing. Sign up for your free guide and let's look out for birds together on 27-29 January.