Author's Note:
I wrote this book because I wanted to raise awareness of climate change.
And I wanted to show how small changes can make a big difference.
That doesn’t mean we all have to eat tofu or grow our own root vegetables. It’s more subtle than that.
Change first happens in our heads and, after that, we start to do things differently without even noticing.
And when eight billion of us do that, the world changes.
Readers seem to “get” this, but they also seem to enjoy the story because they contact me and let me know.
We share ideas and a few jokes and I’m now part of a wonderful network of amazing people from all over the world who inspire me and give me hope.
I hope you enjoy the book too - and I hope you join us.
Fortunately for us, George is married to Alice
And Alice is not about to take any crap from a power-crazed dragon that doesn't care about Alice, her children or the beautiful planet she lives on.
But wait, who's this?
It's George - our unlikely hero.
He’s a middle manager at one of the dragon’s toxic factories.
It’s his job to make sure the workers do as they're told and don’t ask too many questions...
…questions like "Why is it getting so hot?"
George is a good employee and does what he’s told…
Apart from the Dragon...
...who built a rocket and is now living a lonely sad-assed life on Mars counting his money.
So Alice explains to George how the Dragon is gaslighting him...
And George eventually realises he is addicted to S.P.A.M. (Status, Power & Money)...
...and that the Dragon has been supplying him the drug all along.
So, together, George and Alice confront the beast.
And , after a courageous encounter, with lots of drama and jeopardy, the Dragon's spell is finally broken.
and George, at last, sees the Dragon for what he is...
... just an misplaced illusion that brought out the worst in him
THE DRAGON & THE HUMMINGBIRD
Who needs another children's story... ?
Still think this is a kid's story... ?
Well, you're just going to have to read all 317 pages of the book
to understand why people rave about it. (see below)
... and, one that happened, the Dragon was never seen again.
And we all lived happily ever after
This is Dragon.
He's been around for 250 years lording it over us like he owns the place...
A Scotsman called Adam Smith discovered him as an egg - which he hatched in a little valley in the English Midlands
The Dragon quickly grew and, pretty soon, the valley was covered in a toxic sludge (an unfortunate Dragon by-product).
And before long the whole valley became known as ‘The Black Country’. (True story)
And, from then on, it's got a lot, lot worse.
And here we are in the 21st Century and there's barely a place on earth that hasn't been spoiled by the messy, greedy, selfish Dragon.
Paul S. – Marketing & SaaS consultant :
See video
Paul E. – Business Consultant :
"Finished your book and absolutely loved it. A true labour of love. You managed to keep me smiling throughout, and I finished reading it feeling genuinely hopeful. Thank you."
.... if this was just a kid's book, would grown-ups be saying this about it?:
Readers Reviews
Richard K. – Clothing Brand Owner & Consultant
"My youngest daughter just finished reading the book yesterday and is already sharing it among her university friends. It inspired me to write a recommendation to encourage others to read it too. It sparks vital conversations."
Nicola R. – Author & Speaker
"Highly enjoyable. It made the political bits understandable without being patronising, and the characters beautifully mitigated the danger of the second half becoming too didactic. Best of all, while it didn't flinch from the horror of a possible climate apocalypse, it planted credible seeds of hope and made me take stock of the small things I try to do, and to think about looking for other incremental changes I might be able to make."
Alison A. – Environmental Trust Chair
"I was drawn to this book immediately and it didn't disappoint. It does a brilliant job distilling the complexities of climate history. The conversational structure between the characters makes complex ideas far more digestible and engaging than a standard white paper."
Ivan M. – Commercial Director & Sustainability Consultant
"Thank you for writing this book. You bring a wealth of knowledge and clear storytelling, using your marketing background to make compelling arguments. It gives great food for thought on economic systems, capital, and our environmental challenges."
Stephen M. – Photographer & Creative Director
"I was initially reluctant to read another book about inconvenient truths, but this hit the sweet spot. It sits at a fascinating intersection of history, data, humour, and hope. It reawakened my interest without leaving me feeling overwhelmed."
Graham S. – Author
"I really enjoyed this accessible and humorous yet profound book. It clearly addresses two crucial questions: how we got into this mess, and what we can do about it now. I appreciated the strong focus on personal responsibility and action."
Daniel B. – Architect & Surveyor
"My son gave me a copy of your book. It was a fantastic read and a eye-opening look into our societal blind spots and our impact on the planet. Your hummingbird analogy is inspiring and encourages us to rise above short-term interests to build a better world."
Sourabh J. – Renewable Energy & Electrical Engineer
"For me, the main takeaway is that we don't need to fight the system head-on. We need to mobilize the majority of people who understand the problem but need a practical, structural alternative to turn climate anxiety into real action."
Kate K. – Brand & Marketing Strategist
"This book blew me away, and I’ve been sharing quotes and insights with friends and family ever since reading it. Going forward, I’m going to buy copies for people directly rather than just recommending it."
Jasmina D. - Clinical Trials Project Manager
"Reading this book was an amazing experience, a rare mix of humour, sharp insight, and deep self-reflection. It beautifully unpacks complex themes like capitalism, societal ideals, and our individual roles within system-wide issues.
What spoke to me most was the nuanced discussion around responsibility and human nature. The 'Dragons and Hummingbirds' dynamic challenges us to look beyond simplistic labels and recognise that real progress isn't just up to institutions, it starts with each of us examining the ripple effects of our own actions.
The book doesn't offer easy shortcuts; instead, it offers a grounded, roadmap for personal accountability, empathy, and better communication. It’s the kind of book that stops you in your tracks, invites you to look inward, and ultimately inspires you to make slightly better choices every day."
Max O. – Managing Director
"Divided into two distinct parts, this is an easy yet thought-provoking read suitable for anyone aged 16 and up. The second half features engaging discussions around capitalism, history, and current affairs that stimulate the reader to think deeply, question things, and consider how they can do their bit to positively impact the world. Highly recommended."
100% Independent.
100% Dragon-Free.
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