This short story was based upon the winter of 1963 which saw the country in the grip of severe snowfalls and record breaking cold temperatures.

January and February saw many of the Saddleworth villages cut off for days on end. Many of the homes had no electricity as the overhead cables had collapsed under the weight of freezing snow. More than ever the camaraderie and neighbourly support was felt and shared by all in looking after each other.

The severe weather caused the sheep from the surrounding Moors to take refuge in the village where farmers and villagers came together to provide emergency shelter and food for them.

The village of Diggle was covered in thick, white snow. The local school was shut, much to the joy of the school children, and some of the villagers’ homes had lost electricity too.

Policeman Pete was very busy trying to help everyone out. Whilst out clearing a road, he came across a flock of sheep. They had been covered by the snow, and were stranded. They were also very cold and hungry. It was up to Policeman Pete, Farmer Bill, and some of the local villagers to help rescue them.

This is the first book in the Policeman Pete series by Barbara Ann. All of the stories have been inspired by real events that occurred around the seven villages of Saddleworth.

The books reminded me of the Mr. Men books, with their petite size, short passages, and full page illustrations. They also have that ‘old fashioned/traditional’ feel and look to them.

I find it fascinating how Ms. Ann has managed to find so many tales from the villages to write such a comprehensive collection of books. There are currently 16 different stories in the series.

Being only 25 pages long, having short sentences, which are written in large black font, and on a white background, younger children who have just learnt how to read, or currently learning, will have no trouble getting understanding it. The author has also included a hand drawn map at the back of the book.

The plot was intriguing, and I think kids will love the idea of a snow covered village and a helpful local policeman. A great start to what looks like a superb series.

Policeman Pete says that you have to look for the correct place to cross the road, such as a Zebra crossing, where you have to stop, look, and listen until the cars have stopped for you, then and only then do you walk nicely across to the other side.

Zebra Crossing

The other places are a Pelican crossing, or Traffic lights! Here you press the button so the little green man knows you want to cross the road and then you have to wait till the red man has gone and the green man comes with the bleeping noise, then again walk nicely across to the other side.

Pelican Crossing

Brought up and schooled in Oldham, Greater Manchester, at the age of 17, Barbara decided on a nursing career.

Later, she set up her own day nursery which she ran for a few years before supporting her husband in his busy profession. Fast forward to 2013, Barbara started writing and illustrating the Policeman Pete series.

She currently lives at Brimmycroft Farm, in the small Saddleworth village of Denshaw, Oldham with her husband, horses, geese, ducks and cats.

She is an active participant in charities involving law enforcement, including the Blue Lamp Foundation. She has previously appeared on BBC Radio Manchester and been featured in the Oldham Advertiser and the Manchester Evening News.

www.policemanpetebooks.co.uk
@policemanpete