Glastonbury is globally celebrated for its iconic summer music festival in nearby Pilton, but this historic town offers so much more—from its ancient monuments and mystical Tor to its rich spiritual heritage.
Local children’s author Benji Barkley captures the essence of this special place in his latest book, The Lost Pages of Glastonbury. Designed for children aged six and under, the beautifully illustrated and engaging story unfolds as a rhyming adventure, inviting young readers to learn about their hometown in a captivating way.
The tale follows siblings Ollie and Rosie, along with their mischievous dog Patch, whose playful escapades scatter the pages of their mother’s treasured book throughout Glastonbury. To retrieve them, the children embark on a charming journey that takes them from the famous Tor to the healing springs, the historic abbey, and even the festival grounds.
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By exploring familiar sights such as St John’s Church, Market Place, and the Tribunal, young readers can connect deeply with their community through this local treasure hunt. The book includes a detailed illustrated map marking twelve key locations, encouraging families to follow along and perhaps set out on real-life adventures of their own.
Benji Barkley shares his inspiration: “I wanted to highlight the local gems that often go unnoticed. Bringing these places to life in a children’s book helps kids feel closer to their community and sparks their curiosity to explore.”
Passionate about storytelling and local heritage, Barkley’s work fosters a love for history and place among young readers. The Lost Pages of Glastonbury is his second children’s book and was released on July 29. It is available for pre-order on Amazon and directly from the author, with a 20% discount offered through his website.