A new children’s book published this week will aim to teach children about global warming and threat to endangered species.

Set in Ethiopia,  The Crystal Fountain by David Morgan Williams is the story of two children, Omo and Asha, rescuing an ibex from a landslide on Mount Ras Dash. The injured ibex is brought back to health with the help of the two children and Henry, the hippo, and Crocus, the crocodile and some magical bubbles from the crystal fountain.

‘I wanted to write a humorous and entertaining story for young readers, which is also educational.’ explained author David Morgan Williams.

‘The animal characters are based on real-life animals who are a part of a group recognised as an endangered species ’ he said, ‘There is also an increasing deforestation threat, particularly in tropical countries where the rainforests are disappearing at an alarming rate. The depletion leads to changes in the atmosphere upon which all life depends.’

‘There is also the growing problem of poaching, the killing of wild animals so that their parts can be sold illegally for profit’ added David.

The book is aimed at readers between the ages of 5 and 7 years of age.

‘I hope the story will fire up my young readers’ imaginations.’ said David, ‘To me, this is what picture stories for young readers are all about, discovering new worlds and finding themselves, through the joy and excitement of adventure to be had through words and pictures’

David Morgan Williams was born in Cwm near Ebbw Vale, and now lives in Cwmbrân, Gwent. David is a graduate of University College of Wales, Aberystwyth; a former geography teacher; a senior lecturer in education at the University of South Wales, tutor for the Open University and visiting professor at California State University, Long Beach, USA.

The Crystal Fountain by David Morgan Williams (£5.99, Y Lolfa) is available now.