A wild read

St Ives postman, Martin Yelland published his first children’s book last year and is working on his second.

Choughs and Chums was inspired by his passion for photographing Cornish wildlife. It tells the story of two choughs – distinctive red-billed birds – who go on an adventure, meeting animal friends along the way, and is illustrated by Martin’s graphic designer fiancée, Zoe.

Martin captures his pictures while out on walks with his son Noah and hopes his books will become a treasured keepsake for him.

‘I’m hoping to inspire youngsters to get outside,’ said Martin. ‘I love going into the countryside and there’s lots of wildlife out there, you have just got to go out and look for it’.

The online postal market for books is thriving with shoppers still choosing to read physical copies, opposed to using an e-reader. Royal Mail works with thousands of online book sellers to keep the nation reading.

Martin’s favourite book is Out Foxed by Mike Huskisson. ‘It’s a daring true story of an animal rights activist, who went undercover in the 80s and 90s, filming and photographing what really goes on, on hunts,’ said Martin. ‘It highlights just how cruel and unnecessary hunts are.

‘I think books are still important in the 21st century as they are a great, and easy, way to escape from normal life. Sure, you can read on your phone and use a Kindle, but using technology offers many distractions, which a book doesn't. I think people do still love books, there is just now more ways to read them.’

After Choughs and Chums sold out, Martin is now working on his second book, Kerra the Kingfisher using more of his photography as inspiration for the story.