A family’s real-life trauma has inspired a new book with a culinary twist.
The Great Wildlife Cook-Off: Food & Fables from Honeycrook Farm by Northumberland caterer Clara Nicholl tells the story of a countryside cook-off, imagined while caring for her daughter in hospital.
The book was born from a family crisis in 2022 when Ms Nicholl's daughter Elsie was seriously injured in a quad bike accident and airlifted to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.
During long weeks at Elsie’s bedside, Ms Nicholl turned to writing as a form of therapy, filling her diary with sketches, recipes, and stories to help her stay positive and focused for her family.
Ms Nicholl said: "For years I’ve imagined bringing together my recipes, my love of the countryside and the stories inspired by the animals around us.
"To see it become real – especially after everything our family has been through – fills me with gratitude, joy and wonder."
These moments became the foundation for her book, which features foxes, badgers, owls, and other woodland creatures
The book has been written to combine comforting family recipes with playful storytelling.
Whimsical characters created in the book were developed with the help of her children Elsie and Sam during the weeks following the accident at their family farm near Haydon Bridge.
In gratitude for the care that Elsie received, Ms Nicholl raised £22,000 for the North East Air Ambulance by completing the North York Moors 34-mile ultra event.
The book is published by Curlicue, an independent press based near Hexham focused on northern voices and place-rooted writing.
Jane Pikett, publisher at Curlicue, said: "Clara Nicholl has created something truly unusual: a book rooted in the Northumbrian countryside, where animals come alive on the page, stories sparkle with warmth and creativity, and the recipes are simple yet special enough to treasure.
"It’s delightful."
Ms Nicholl’s illustrations are featured throughout the book, along with artwork contributed by her family.
The Great Wildlife Cook-Off is available through Ms Nicholl's website at www.claranichollcatering.com/shop.
In a diary entry written at the time, Ms Nicholl captured the emotional challenges she faced.
She wrote: "Do you just sit and stare and let all these terrifying thoughts consume you?
"A bit of everything, I think, until you need to get a grip, be strong, be positive, and keep your family steady."
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