Join Teenager Hettie In The Fens For A Delightful Two-Book Journey By Mick Price Through Everyday Adventures

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, discover the charming world of Hettie in Mick Price’s delightful two-book series, where a curious girl and her friends navigate quirky, heartwarming everyday adventures in the beautiful English Fens—blending gentle humour, family warmth, subtle life lessons, and just the right touch of whimsical satire to captivate young readers and parents alike.

The English Fens, with their vast flat landscapes, winding waterways, and rich agricultural heritage, provide the perfect setting for stories that celebrate the simple joys and gentle surprises of childhood. In Mick Price’s two-book children’s series, young readers are invited to step into the world of Hettie, a curious and relatable girl navigating life in the Lincolnshire Fens. Through Hettie and Friends in the Fens and its sequel Hettie in the Fens: Some Further Stories, Price crafts a quietly enchanting series filled with wit, warmth, and observational humour. These books offer comforting, episodic adventures that highlight friendship, family, curiosity, and everyday kindness—far removed from fantastical quests or high-stakes drama.

Introducing Hettie and Her Fenland World

Hettie is an engaging protagonist whose everyday experiences form the heart of the series. Living in the distinctive Fenland region—known for its reclaimed marshes, fertile fields, and unique rural charm—she encounters the small but meaningful moments that define growing up. The stories unfold in short, vignette-like chapters, capturing snapshots of modern childhood with a quirky British voice that feels authentic and endearing.

Price, a retired teacher and college lecturer in Mathematics and IT, draws from his educational background to create tales that entertain while subtly educating. His motivation stems from a desire to encourage young people to read for pleasure, resulting in stories that are accessible yet layered with deeper observations. Illustrated by his wife, Sharon Price (or Sharon Julie Price in some credits), the books blend text with visual charm to bring Hettie’s world to life.

Hettie and Friends in the Fens: Snapshots of Childhood Wonder

The first book, Hettie and Friends in the Fens, introduces readers to Hettie through ten short, quirky stories spanning about 150 pages. Beginning when Hettie is around 9 years old and progressing to age 11, the tales build on one another, allowing characters and relationships to develop naturally.

These vignettes transform ordinary activities into gentle adventures: a shopping trip with Mum or Dad, a seaside holiday, a relaxing cruise along the Norfolk Broads, an exciting Activities Day at school, collecting vegetables from the fenland fields, learning to swim, or even taking up astronomy and spotting “aliens.” The episodic format makes them ideal for bedtime reading—each story a cozy 10-15 minute treat—while encouraging children to follow the sequence for the full experience.

What sets these stories apart is their blend of simplicity and subtle depth. They tackle topical issues that intrigue young minds, from the formation of the Fens and the Norfolk Broads to basics of astronomy, Pythagoras’ theorem, and thoughtful discussions on climate change and economising. Green “Thought Facts” boxes scattered throughout provide engaging explanations that spark curiosity without feeling like lessons. Parents often enjoy spotting innuendos or subtexts, adding intergenerational appeal.

The series proudly focuses on traditional family structures—mums, dads, and their kids—avoiding heavy ideological overlays, and instead emphasising relatable, real-world childhood.

Hettie in the Fens: Some Further Stories – Growing Up with More Depth

The sequel, Hettie in the Fens: Some Further Stories, continues directly from the first book. With fewer stories but longer ones, it allows each adventure more room to breathe, unfold, and immerse readers deeper into Hettie’s evolving world. Now a bit older—closer to 11-14 years—Hettie displays greater self-awareness, while the gentle humour persists.

The tales remain grounded in everyday life but introduce more complexity: searching for alien spaceships near Suffolk forests by American airbases, encountering ghosts, exploring politics, or even striking whimsical “deals” with figures like Donald Trump. The humour grows more satirical and occasionally aggressive, yet it stays fun, silly, and deeply relatable—qualities children appreciate far more than distant wizards or magical kingdoms.

The language becomes slightly more sophisticated, suiting independent reading for older children, though it remains enjoyable for shared read-aloud sessions. The “Thought Facts” boxes return, covering diverse topics like politics, birdwatching, astronomy, and balanced views on climate change, continuing to educate through storytelling. Subplots and references delight adults, ensuring the books appeal across ages.

Why These Books Stand Out

Mick Price’s background as an educator shines through in the series’ thoughtful approach. Holding a BA (Hons) in Mathematics, an Advanced Diploma in Teaching, a Master’s in Education, and fellowship status with the Institute for Learning, he previously authored educational texts like GCSE Mathematics – A Guide for Re-takers and Adults. Transitioning to children’s fiction later in life, he channels his passion for inspiring reading pleasure.

The Fenland setting is no mere backdrop—it actively shapes the narratives, grounding adventures in a recognisable, beloved landscape of drainage history, birdlife, and rural rhythms. The books champion observation over spectacle, kindness over conflict, and curiosity over chaos.

For families seeking wholesome, witty reads that celebrate community and growing up in a distinctive British setting, joining Hettie in the Fens is a rewarding experience. These two books remind us that the best adventures often hide in plain sight—right in the flat, watery beauty of the Lincolnshire Fens.

Find more from Mick Price now:

Hettie and Friends in the Fens

Kindle: https://amzn.to/4rL2WBh

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4rCA0eM

Hettie in the Fens: Some Further Stories

Kindle: https://amzn.to/4aOLqEP

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3ZVPZby