Arbie the Owl takes centre stage in new children’s book at the National Memorial Arboretum

The National Memorial Arboretum is celebrating February half term with its first-ever children’s book, ‘Arbie and the Magical Lights’. Arbie, a young fluffy owl who lives at the Nation’s year-round place to remember, is the star of this heartwarming tale, which introduces children to the magical power of light. The Arboretum is a registered charity and all proceeds from the book go towards supporting its educational and Remembrance initiatives.

From 17–21 February, during the half term holiday, Arbie will be the star of the Arboretum’s family activity programme. Skilled storytellers will bring the enchanting story to life during free interactive storytelling sessions, helping children explore why light is magical. Arbie will also make a special appearance on the Animals in Remembrance outdoor trail sheets, encouraging families to explore the stories of mascots, mythical creatures, and real animals that have served in the Armed Forces. After completing the trail, young visitors can return to the Remembrance Centre for a special treat.

Arbie is a beloved character at the Arboretum, living within the 150-acre site year-round and engaging visitors with his adventures. Written by Maria Howes, Head of Marketing and Business Development at the Arboretum, the book features 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,” said Maria Howes, Head of Marketing and Business Development at the National Memorial Arboretum. “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.

“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.”

“I absolutely loved bringing Arbie and the magical lights to life through illustrating this beautiful book. It was a pleasure to bring colour and magic to the story about Arbie and the Arboretum and create something that captures all the magic it brings. Arbie feels like such a part of the Arboretum to me now and I love the expressions in his face. I’m so glad he can be enjoyed by families now in both the light trail and this wonderful children’s book”, says Leah Riley, illustrator of Arbie and the Magical Lights.

The book, along with a selection of Arbie-themed gifts, toys, and keepsakes, are available to purchase from the Arboretum’s Remembrance Centre shop and online. All proceeds support the Arboretum’s charitable work in Remembrance and education. To view the collection, visit: https://shop.thenma.org.uk/collections/the-arbie-collection