Tales of Mr Explorer - Mike Helliwell

Tales of Mr Explorer*

This a travel book with a difference.

'Tales of Mr Explorer' captures the adventures of an ordinary family man with a normal office job who has a passion for wilderness, wildlife and travel.

Hopefully these tales relate some of the interesting moments experienced during my trips including instances of awe, enlightenment, fear, my stupidity, human kindness, deep sadness as well as huge joy.

For example;

'Kissing a 45ton female Gray Whale on the lips - in the wild.'

'Being hunted by a three to four metre Nile Crocodile'.

 'Sitting two metres from a Male Silverback Gorilla'.

It was written primarily so my grandchildren could enjoy my adventures as well as encouraging them to explore the wider world.

I have experienced many similar situations to those shown on the famous David Attenborough TV series. Hopefully my book will inspire people and show that these opportunities are available without huge costs and without dedicating months of time.

Mike Helliwell

Mr Explorer

*Why Mr Explorer?

My daughter is a primary school teacher and I often go into school to support her teaching.

I talk to children, aged between four and six, about animals and the world. My character name is Mr Explorer. The children get very excited when Mr Explorer comes to school.

I started this as a 'bit of fun' for both the children and myself. However, talking to the teachers they told me they get a lot of positive opportunities from these sessions. Children, especially the disruptive ones, become engaged with the subject and the teachers use this as a teaching tool for weeks afterwards. I now see this as more than just fun but 'giving something back'.

In one particular lesson a year 5 boy put his hand up at the end of the lesson and said "When I grow up I am going to be Mr Explorer".