Did you hear about Sparky the Dragon Bus?

The wheels on the bus certainly do go round and round.

Beep! Beep!

This time it was the turn of Sparky the Dragon Bus to go on tour.

The timetable was set, for the 8th - 14th February, thanks to Rachel Gilbey Rachels Random Resources

The bloggers were waiting at the stops ready to get on board.

With three blogs each day the week unfolded.

It was lovely to hear from some returning passengers, and their children, as well as welcoming new visitors on board too.

As with all of my books so far, Sparky does indeed have links to a real bus.

When I was involved with the National Playbus Association charity, our bus project would attend training rallies where we were able to meet and net-work with other mobile organisations.

At one such event, in Newcastle, we met with the staff and crew of the real Sparky.

The Real Sparky

Sparky the Dragon Bus, JGA 199N, was a project in Glasgow offering play opportunities to disabled children and their families.

It was a unique Playbus containing many special features, such as a chairlift from the lower deck, allowing users an access to the upper deck.

At the rear was an emergency exit slide. The slide started from the top deck with a large, soft mat on the ground to ensure safe landing.

Sparky encouraged many children to come along to the play scheme where they played alongside children of all abilities.

Sparky even received a royal visit from Princess Anne.

Book Reviews

'An absolutely delightful story of inclusion, with beautifully drawn pictures, and a cheeky little pigeon, that will delight and entertain young readers,' Against the Flow Press.

'The book is well written with bright and colourful illustrations that match the story perfectly,' Rose is reading

'I liked the message the book sends. It's a great lesson for kids, and it showcases kindness and inclusiveness,' Jazzy Book Reviews

'I absolutely admire the inclusive feel of this picture book,' Cat and Mouse Reading.

'Once more Sue has created a fun and uplifting book for all children to enjoy,' Cup of toast.

'I love this book because this book shows equality between all abilities,' Reviews by Prisha.

'i read this book to my two children who are 4 and 6, they really enjoyed listening to this story about a bus that helps those who are disabled,' Little Mrs Reader.

'This is an old-style, gentle, tale of inclusivity and it made me cry. I love it.' Mum's book blast.

'Sparky the Dragon Bus is a delightful story about inclusion and being different,' Jera's Jamboree.

'this is a lovley, story based on real events, and it deals brilliantly with inclusivity for disabled people,' Short book and Scribes.

'This is a darling Children's picture book that not only captured my interest, but my heart as well.' Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

'My grandson and I enjoyed reading this diverse, inclusive, beautifully illustrated story together,' Jane Hunt Writer.

'This is a lovely book to share with children. It is colourfully illustrated throughout and is certain to help children understand more about inclusion,' Splashes into Books.

'Once again Sue Wickstead has produced a thoroughly enjoyable read that we will be sure to share time and time again. Two massive thumbs up from us!' Fraser's Fun House.

'It is rare to find a book that can be both a teaching aid and a general reader, but this fulfils both brilliantly and i can't recommend it enough,' Booksaremycwtches.

'As a mum I really liked the story and found that it was well written and perfectly aimed at the target audience,' donnasbookblog.

'The book is beautifully illustrated. The soft watercolour printing works well and the children's faces are simple but really pleasing to the eye,' Yeah Lifestyle.

'The story is a wonderful teaching aid for young children about mobility issues and disabilities that others have and the effects it can have on their lives,' Books and Emma - the Twist and Turn book blog.

'The book is a great read and shows children all about how disabilities don't mean that people miss out and also how to help their friends if they have a disability,' Black Books blog.

'I read this to a group of six-year-old children and they loved the colourful pictures and how excited the characters were, as they explored the playbus,' Annasadventuresinbookland.

'I have read all of Sue's bus picture books and loved them all dearly but Sparky has just found a completely special place in my heart,' Herding Cats.

Once again a very big thank you to everyone who joined the bus ride. It certainly was a lot of fun.

I also have produced a 3D bus model of Sparky, as well as my other bus books. These are available free with bus books ordered through my website or at author evnets and visits.